World coins

My second attempt at photographing Silver coins. Hand-held in diffuse daylight using a Sony RX100 compact camera and processed with Nikon Capture NX2.

An experimental "close-up" (not Macro) shot which took about 12 attempts to get right.....the shine and reflections make photographing coins like this very difficult. Camera Sony RX100 and processed with Nikon Capture NX2.

In 2014 the British Royal Mint launched a new series of 1 ounce (31.103 grams) gold coins. The Shēngxiào Collection, inspired by centuries of tradition, begins with the first coin in the series created by artist Wuon-Gean Ho for the Lunar Year of the Horse. It features a dynamic horse design on the reverse that unites Chinese and British heritage, captured in fine 24K gold. Photographed with a Sony RX100 compact camera and processed with Nikon Capture NX2.

Freedom Girl is the first medallion in the Silver Bullet Silver Shield series done with full creative control given to American sculptress Heidi Wastweet. Heidi is known for her images of strong and beautiful women, most notably "Pandora Defiant". Now she has created a new beauty for a new generation. These coins are made from 1 Troy ounce of 99.999% pure silver and the 47 "bullets" in the design represent the element Silver, whose atomic number is 47 ("Silver Bullet" is also the name of the mint which produces these coins). The medieval Trivium design symbolizes the foundation for individual freedom from outside manipulation. These coins (A.K.A. "rounds" or "medallions" are not legal tender and have no "face value"....they are for collectors and investors in precious metals). Camera: Sony RX100

The reverse / rear of the "Veritas Lux Mea" silver "Round" / "Medallion" designed by American sculptress Heidi Wastweet, the first in her new Latin series (see previous photo). Photographed with a Sony RX100 compact camera and processed with Nikon Capture NX2.

This Silver "Round" was designed by American sculptress Heidi Wastweet, the first in her new Latin series. The inscription translates as "Truth Is My Light" or "Truth Enlightens Me". Photographed with a Sony RX100 compact camera and processed with Nikon Capture NX2.

The Mexican Libertad Silver Bullion Coins are struck annually for investors and collectors and were first minted in 1982. A winged angel design has been portrayed on the coin since its inception but a re-design occurred in 1996 to "make it more attractive" (according to the Mexican Mint). That design, which is still used today, depicts the spectacular Angel of Independence -- an eight ton golden statue on top of a tall slender column in Mexico City. The angel towers above a background of the volcanoes Popocatépetl and Iztaccihuatl. The obverse or "heads" side of the coin features an eagle battling a snake (Mexico's national coat of arms), which is surrounded by a wreath and the words "ESTADOS UNIDOS MEXICANOS". Encircling the center are ten eagle designs that have been used as National Emblems through the centuries, including one depicted in the 16th century Mendocino Codex. The Inscription surrounding the top includes the numerical size following by "ONZA" for "ounce", then "PLATA PURA" for "pure silver", the year of issue, "LEY" (Fine....the purity of the metal) and ".999" (i.e. 999 parts-per-thousand pure (Silver in this case, or Gold)).

The Mexican Libertad Silver Bullion Coins are struck annually for investors and collectors and were first minted in 1982. A winged angel design has been portrayed on the coin since its inception but a re-design occurred in 1996 to "make it more attractive" (according to the Mexican Mint). That design, which is still used today, depicts the spectacular Angel of Independence -- an eight ton golden statue on top of a tall slender column in Mexico City. The angel towers above a background of the volcanoes Popocatépetl and Iztaccihuatl. The obverse or heads side of the coin features an eagle battling a snake (Mexico's national coat of arms), which is surrounded by a wreath and the words "ESTADOS UNIDOS MEXICANOS". Encircling the center are ten eagle designs that have been used as National Emblems through the centuries, including one depicted in the 16th century Mendocino Codex. The Inscription surrounding the top includes the numerical size following by "ONZA" for "ounce", then "PLATA PURA" for "pure silver", the year of issue, "LEY" (Fine....the purity of the metal measured in "parts per thousand")) and ".999". The "O" above the "M" is the Mexican Mint mark (La Casa de Moneda de México).

"Sic Semper Tyrannis", one of the most infamous phrases in U.S. history, was shouted by John Wilkes Booth as he assassinated President Abraham Lincoln in 1865. This phrase (Latin for "thus always to tyrants") encircles the obverse of the newest "round" in the Silver Bullet Silver Shield series. This time it celebrates the overthrow of the Debt and Death paradigm. Here, Freedom Girl stands triumphant over Debt and Death. She holds a spear and a buckler shield emblazoned with the Trivium, both of which she used to slay Debt and Death who is portrayed with his five arrows from the Rothschild's family crest and the chains he used to enslave mankind. The slain foe lies on a pile of U.S. currency, one of his greatest tools in enslaving humanity. (Silver bullet, silver shield). Photographed with a Sony RX100 camera and processed with Nikon NX2 software.