Commemorative coins are intended to commemorate a particular event or issue. Most commemorative coins were issued from the 1960s onward, although there are many examples of commemorative coins issued at an earlier date.

Commemorative coins are distinctive in design and normally carry a reference to the occasion for which they were issued. Some coins of this category have collector’s value only. But some countries also issue commemorative coins for regular circulation purposes.

Thematic coins are issued regularly to highlight prominent events or in celebration of a specific historical time in history. Such coins may be issued to commemorate monuments, historical sites, historical personalities, endangered species and more.

Thematic coins may or may not commemorate any particular event or jubilee. There is distinction to be made between commemorative coins and thematic coins but this technicality is often ignored.

Non circulating legal tender is coins which are legal tender, and in theory be used to purchase goods or services. Yet they are not intended to be used in such a manner. They are intended to be used only as souvenirs or collector’s pieces. They can also have inherent value as often they are produced in gold or silver with a proof finish.

Books and Bygones in Port Elizabeth carry stock of coins with collector’s value. It also has in stock the commemorative Medal commemorating Nelson Mandela titled “Laureates of the Nobel Peace Prize”.
 

Books & Bygones

Books & Bygones is a well established books and collectables store in Central, Port Elizabeth. We buy, sell and also trade online. Read more »