Dear WBCC Members and Non WBCC Members,

I really hope you enjoy reading this weeks WBCC Newsmail !!

1. Bi-metallic Euro From Austria ... by Rob Kooy, Netherlands

Austrian Mint has announced: On January 29, 2003 we will issue our first Bi-metallic 25 euro coin "700 Jahre Stadt Hall" (700th anniversary of the city of Hall). 50.000 pieces will be minted. The outer ring of this coin will be made of silver, the core of Niobium (Nb). Niobium is a high-quality metal, so far mostly used in airplane- and rocket engines. This will be the first time niod is used for coins. More 25 euro Bi-metallic coins of the same metallic composition will be issued in the years to come. An E-Mail to the Austrian Mint and you can order your piece.

2. Bi-metallic Thailand 10 Baht Pieces ... by Barent Springsted, Thailand

When you look into the WBCC Website at: New Images you can see pictures of four newly released Thailand Baht 10 Bi-metallic coins.
* 100th Anniv. Thai Public Water Dept. (June 13, 2002)
* 60th Anniv. Thai Dept. of Internal Commerce (May 5, 2002)
* 90th Anniv Thai Highway Dept. (April 1, 2002)
* 90th Anniv. Wachirat Nursing School (January 2, 2002)

3. Bi-metallic from Australia ... by Massimiliano Aiello, Italy

I have received this from The Perth Mint, including pictures which can be seen in: hNew Images.

Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth II 2003 Golden Jubilee of Coronation Bi-Metallic Coin Princess Elizabeth acceded to the throne in February 1952 on the death of her father, King George VI. On 2 June 1953, the new Queen, following a 900-year tradition, was crowned in Westminster Abbey. With the authorisation of the Australian Government and design approval by Buckingham palace, The Perth Mint is proud to commemorate this remarkable milestone with the release of a striking Bi-metallic (gold and silver) coin.
Unique gold centrepiece
The pure gold centrepiece depicts the four different effigies of The Queen that have appeared on Australian legal tender coins since her Coronation. The pure silver surround bears a circular border depicting St Edward's Crown and the Order of the Garter Collar. The Perth Mint's traditional 'P' mintmark is also incorporated in the design.
Quality Presentation
Housed in beautiful jarrah and marri presentation cases, the coin is accompanied by a serial-numbered Certificate of Authenticity.
Proof Quality
The 2003-dated coin is struck from 99.99% pure gold and 99.9% pure silver, in proof-like quality. Carrying the Ian Rank-Broadley effigy of Queen Elizabeth II on the obverse, it is legal tender under the Australian Currency Act 1965.
Limited Mintage
No more than 7,500 individual bi-metal coins will be released.
Stunning Bi-Metallic Coin
Pure Gold & Pure Silver
Design Featuring Four Effigies of The Queen
Approved by Buckingham Palace
Legal Tender of Australia
Limited Mintage - 7,500
Price: EUR 265,44

4. Bi-metallic from Germany ... by Jim Kindrake, Canada

I recently receive a Bi-metallic from Minden in Hanover, Germany. It shows a Wind Mill on one side and a "Schiffmuhle" on the other. A picture can be seen at: New Images.

5. The WBCC Bi-metallic Quiz Game #327 ... by Jack Hepler, USA

Portugal honored Garcia de Orta on the circulating Bi-metallic 200 Escudos from 1991 to 2001. At the age of 34 he sailed to Goa on the west coast of India. In 1556, he wrote a book in which two people discuss the plants of India including fruits, nuts and spices. He is recognized for making a significant contribution to science and botany. What was Garcia de Orta’s profession?
a. Medical Doctor.
b. Botanist.
c. Adventurer.
d. Scientist
Please send your answer to me: Jack Hepler. Note: See this coin and many others by visiting the WBCC website.
Answer to Bi-metallic Quiz Game question #326
Austria honored a musical composer on the bi-metallic 50 Schilling of 1999. This man wrote waltzes, polkas, quadrilles and other dance music, he wrote marches, and for the stage, he composed 15 operettas, one opera and an unfinished ballet. He was born in 1825 and died in 1899, the coin celebrating 100 years of this very popular composer’s death. What is his name?
a. Johann Strauss I
b. Johann Strauss II
c. Johann Strauss III
d. Frans Schubert
Answer to Question #326 is "b". Johann Strauss II, also known as Johann Strauss Sohn. (Contributed by Hans Bucek)
Summary of answers to Quiz Game Question #325: 100% correct, seven players.

6. Bi- and Tri-metallics in Ebay ... by Martin Peeters, Netherlands

The following you will not see often Bi- and Tri-metallics one can bid in Ebay: * PITTSBURGH, PA ELONGATED BI-METAL COIN
* set 12 bimetallic chips ZODIAC no euro test
* BIMETALLIC coin 0,50 EURO - test probe ?
* TOKEN central city colorado butch cassidy

7. New Bi- or Tri-metallic Images ... by Rod Sell, Australia

The new Bi and Tri-metallic images shown at: New Images. Newly listed is:
* Australia 50th Anniversary of the Queen's Coronation
* 100th Anniv. Thai Public Water Dept. (June 13, 2002)
* 60th Anniv. Thai Dept. of Internal Commerce (May 5, 2002)
* 90th Anniv Thai Highway Dept. (April 1, 2002)
* 90th Anniv. Wachirat Nursing School (January 2, 2002)
* Germany "Schiffmuhle Minden" Medal
* Ukraine Gold & Silver 20 Hryvnias dedicated to the city-state Olviya
* French West African 6.00 CFA bi-metallics from Burkina Faso & Togo
* Thai Blank

8. Bi-metallic from Kazachstan en Ukraine ... by Alexei Malykh, Russia

I can offer some Bi-metallic from Kazachstan and Ukraine. My prices for these coins (includes delivery by registered air mail) are following: * Kazachstan (100 Tenge) Price: 5 Euro * Ukraine “Anniversary 70 years of Dneproges” (5 Hriven) Price: 5 Euro If you will buy more then 5 copies of each coin i could give you 20% discount. E-mail Alexei Malykh
129301, Moscow
B. Galyshkina 18, 327
Russia

"See you" next week,
Martin Peeters, Focal Point of the Worldwide Bi-metallic Collectors Club