The Road to Collectible Coins: How And Why They Occur?
Many of us, at least once, have received some unusual-looking change when shopping at a brick-and-mortar store. Usually such coins are meant to commemorate some important event or person, and thus are called commemorative – they’re the official means of payment and are used on a daily basis. However, there are also collectible coins which can be admired in museums, mints, and banks or even purchased by you. But have you ever wondered how such coins are ‘born’ and why they’re needed?
Numismatics, or the science of coins
Every coin, ‘born’ within the mint, has its own unique history and goes an extended way towards becoming the main interest of numismatists, also referred to as collectors. Numismatics is a branch of science that studies coins, their minting history, circulation, and other things associated with the production of coinage. In the hands of collectors, coins become works of art with not only material but also educational value. Collectible and commemorative coins stimulate interest within the history of coins and therefore the circumstances during which they were created.
The minting
After the artists have created an abstract product design, the subsequent step is the minting itself. The professionals of the Lithuanian Mint, who have years of experience in this field, produce all the tools needed for this process themselves. This ensures impeccable product quality and longevity. The minting of the coin follows extremely strict rules for forging dies, matrices and pressure forbearance.
Having minted a collector coin, certain details may be aged, painted, and partially gilded (covered with gold). This step is thorough and complicated, so it’s trusted only to the best specialists in their field. The result is impressive. Gilded coins not only look extremely luxurious and exclusive, but also instantly attract the interest of collectors.
The entire production process is closely monitored by the quality assurance specialists of the Lithuanian Mint. They make sure the products are free from defects and meet the established international standards. Only high-quality coins that meet the required specifications are given to customers. The remainder of coins returns to production, where they’re repaired or reforged.
The Value and Acquisition of Collectible Coins
Collectible coins are produced to commemorate important national occasions, anniversaries, to memorize significant dates, historical, cultural, business and other achievements, also to give a meaning to universal values and natural heritage sites. In other words, to perpetuate what leaves a mark on the country’s history and what will be relevant to the numismatic market. The appearance of the collectible coin must be clearly different from that of commemorative and circulation coins.
In order to collect coins, one should take a good look at their value, which is reflected not so much in the material from which the coin is made, as in its literal, artistic or cultural portrayal. Mostly these aspects are generally related; coins that are minted from gold commemorate the most significant events, for important occasions they are minted from silver, and in other cases they are minted from non-ferrous alloys or combinations.
Every work of the Lithuanian Mint is born in the hands of professionals. Thus it is characterized by a unique idea and its impeccable fulfillment. The uniquely designed collectible coins attract the attention of numismatists not only in Lithuania, but all over the world. Foreign collectors are intensely looking for traces of living history and culture. Some of them collect coins from a specific country or region, while others concentrate on visual motifs.
So, in order to have a collectible coin in your home, one should not waste time and visit the Lithuanian Mint eshop, as the most impressive works are sold out very quickly.
