Iconic Silver Coins of the 20th Century - suggestions?

Greetings all,

I have set myself a rather ambitious, yet achievable goal.

I would like to collect a silver coin from every country/colony/protectorate/etc that issued one in the 20th Century.

The guidelines I have set myself are:

* Each coin to comprise at least .500 silver.
* Preferably Unc, but happy to include AU. XF if I'm really struggling with a particular country.
* Eye appeal more important than scarcity.
* Coins of historic significance preferred (like the USA and Australian coins listed below).
* Affordable. I won't be adding a 1935 New Zealand Crown, for instance.

With that in mind, I have the following:

USA: 1921 Morgan Dollar (AU, Philadelphia mint) - Last Morgan Dollar minted until 2021
Australia: 1937 Crown (AU, Melbourne mint) - One of only two years minted
Switzerland: 1923 5 Franc (Unc, Bern mint)

So, those countries are covered. Since I am not knowledgeable about a huge number of countries' coinage, I would be interested to know what other collectors think their country's "iconic" silver coin is.

Looking forward to hearing your advice.

I have a few suggestions for some Latin American countries.

the coinage of Cuba 1914-1959 was minted in Philadelphia and designed by Barber.
The Pesos are hard to find but the 20 an 40 cent coins are available
https://en.numista.com/catalogue/pieces9263.html

The Panama Balboa, also minted in Philadelphia
https://en.numista.com/catalogue/pieces18304.html

for Uruguay, the 1942 Peso, with the puma and the rising sun
https://en.numista.com/catalogue/pieces10344.html

for Chile, the condor , there were three different types before they went to .500 silver in 1921
https://en.numista.com/catalogue/pieces22527.html

A South American collection of icons must surely include Simon Bolivar
https://en.numista.com/catalogue/pieces10340.html

that's enough, for now, others will surely help. Nice topic.

Απόσπασμα: "LurkingSquid"​USA: 1921 Morgan Dollar (AU, Philadelphia mint) - Last Morgan Dollar minted until 2021

​I'd recommend getting an early 1900's Morgan instead. They cost a little more, but are nicer in my opinion

UK: Probably a St. George slaying the dragon crown. The only years they were minted in the 20th century were 1900 and 1902, and they cost quite a bit in higher grades. There's plenty of other iconic British coins if you can't afford either of those

Netherlands: 2 1/2 guldens from the late 20's to 40's from the reign of Wilhelmina are affordable in high grades

Germany: There's many different coins to choose from the German Empire. The 1913 commemorative 2 & 3 marks have a nice design, as do many of the 5 marks

France: An early 20th century 50 centimes, 1 franc, or 2 francs (probably the best choice) depicting Semeuse

Italy: 2 lire from the 1910's with the horses on the reverse. They're easy to find in high grades but have a beautiful design

Eritrea - A tallero from 1918. These are very pretty coins, but nice ones can be pricy

Peru: Peruvian 1 sols changed to .500 silver around 1915, so some of the 90% silver coins from slightly before that are often well preserved

Bonus: This doesn't really count because it's a restrike, but you could get a restrike of the 1780 Maria Theresa taler. These coins circulated all around the world and continue to be minted to this day (possibly). If you're looking for an iconic coin, this is the one you should get

Some nice suggestions. Thanks

Thanks for your suggestions, Mr . Midnight and AglsSilver, I'd be stoked to have any of those designs in my collection.

I'm pleased to say I have found a worthy Latvian coin here:

https://en.numista.com/catalogue/pieces6595.html

And was indeed able to buy a lovely example. This fair maiden (nicknamed "Milda" by the Latvians) will be joining her equally beautiful American cousin later next month (I'm in Australia, remember).

The story behind the 5 Lati is that it was first minted in 1929, to celebrate Latvian independence - Latvia having previously been a province of the Russian Empire, and controlled for centuries before by various Scandinavian powers, Germanic traders and Crusader knights. Unfortunately Latvia's newly-won independence was not to last long.

After spending some years under the dictator Kārlis Ulmanis (who planned to have his portrait replace that of Milda, which never eventuated), Latvia's situation deteriorated further, along with fellow Baltic republics Lithuania and Estonia, finding herself caught between the expansionist Nazi Germans and Soviet Russians. Latvia was finally occupied by the Soviets in 1940 and the puppet regime in Latvia voted to be annexed into the USSR. Ulmanis was eventually taken into Soviet custody where he died. The location of his grave is unknown. Meanwhile, the 5 Lati coins had been hoarded by the Lativan people for their silver content and many ended up in the hands of the Soviets, who eventually sold many to foreign numismatists.

After Latvia regained her independence (along with the other Baltic Republics) in 1991, Milda reappeared on Latvian coinage and indeed is depicted on Latvia's 1 and 2 Euro coins.

It just doesn't get much more historically significant than that, and that is why I'm glad to include this lovely coin in my collection. Another aspect I Iove is the incuse legend on the coin's rim - a reminder that Latvian, along with Lithuanian, is one of the Indo-European languages to have changed the least in thousands of years since the migrations from the original Indo-European homeland (probably on the steppes north-east of the Black Sea), and that one of the words "Dievs" lives on in other, far more recent branches of the language family (like "Deus" in Latin, "Dios" in Spanish and "Dieu" in French). There would be few more storied designs in modern numismatic history, to my way of thinking.

Meanwhile, I am considering a Silver Dollar to represent Canada. From what I have seen, nice examples can be had for a comparatively modest outlay and would allow me to include a much more recent coin (up to 1966) in the collection. They look really nice too.

https://en.numista.com/catalogue/pieces456.html

The 5 Lati coin looks divine

Απόσπασμα: "BluHawk"​The 5 Lati coin looks divine

​I know... it's one of the most beautiful coins I have ever seen. Obverse, reverse and rim are a delight to behold. I can't believe this coin isn't more famous, the story behind it and the longevity of the design deserve to be the stuff of legend (or maybe I'm just a sucker for an underdog story). I don't know a lot about Latvia, but this coin was truly a gift to the numismatic world.

The fact this coin had escaped my notice for so long makes me excited about the other coins I discover on the journey ahead.

If I may:
https://en.numista.com/catalogue/pieces14565.html
This Greek piece draws it's simple and beautiful design from ancient Greek coins.

What a admirable goal, I hope that my suggestions may be useful.

I highly recommend the Ethiopian 1 Birr. This coin was part of a series that were the first coins minted in Addis Ababa (the capital of Ethiopia). They can be very expensive in higher conditions, so you might consider a lower denomination or the 50 Santeems from the reign of Haile Salassie.

It all depends on the country
For France, the sower represents a woman "on march" (the party on power currently in France), wearing a Phrygian cap, symbol of Marianne, of the French Revolution in 1789, and with the spirit of freedom. La Semeuse walks with a determined step, evoking the agricultural France on the beginning of the 20th century, sowing seeds, illustrating the economic and cultural influence of our country and highlighting its Republic. She sows against the wind for the grace and the beauty of the gesture, which allowed the engraver to draw her hair back, and the dress which flies in the wind, thus giving it a particular style.

The same design revived in 1960 with the new fifth Republic


Let's now cross the Atlantic to find the most abundant coin in the world and undoubtedly this quantity is surprising: only on 1982, 10 billion coins were issued for a population of 200 million individuals, i.e. 50 "1-cent" coins for each inhabitant to make change or keep these coins as a lucky charm. Wasn't Lincoln mentioned by both Obama and Trump?
On 2010 the shield and "E PLURIBUS UNUM" appeared on the reverse. We might bet that Lincoln will continue to be issued by millions for decades, and why not with the stars and stripes on the back one day ...

If you choose the 1960 new franc version of la Semeuse , you should also consider the 1960 Monaco 5 new franc with Prince Rainier, struck on the same planchets.

Then there are some surprising designs, long before the wave of bizarre coins only intended for collectors, what was our surprise to discover this little owl that seemed lost on the 20 Stotinov coin from Slovenia at the fall of Yugoslavia.
We get lost in conjecture to interpret the meaning of this little bird lost on the plain and flat background of his coin. Vigilance in the night, assurance, renewal ...
Here is a coin that we will not soon forget!

Not in silver but surely iconic

British Palistine 1927 100 mills coin This was the first modern coin that had Isreal on it and the country eventually became Is real
Russia 1 ruble 1921 One of the first coins from what will become the USSR very historic

Dejan: Yes, great idea. I've always had a love of ancient Greek history and mythology - this coin would be a superb addition to the collection.

Some_Nerd: You read my mind about Ethiopia. I don't think it'll be easy to find, but I reckon I'll end up with a nice 1 Birr.

Frenchlover: The coins of France are some of my favourites. I was tossing up between La Semeuse and Marianne, but after some consideration, I came to the conclusion such a collection would simply have to include La Semeuse. She is the symbol of France's longevity and continuity, despite all history has thrown at her... some of the most destructive wars in all of history, revolutions, pandemics and so on... yet, La Semeuse and France endure, from the time of the Gauls, to the present. I have just bought an UNC 1960 5 Franc, which I look forward to receiving.

An honourable mention would have been the 1990 Charlemagne 100 Francs:

https://en.numista.com/catalogue/pieces33.html

The impact Charlemagne had on the history of the Western world could hardly be overstated. I also love the design (which includes Charlemagne's monogram). But La Semeuse is surely the most Iconic figure in French numismatics.

Mr. Midnight: Excellent idea for Monaco. I do love the idea of the common planchets, echoing the coins of the LMU.

Holindaze: Both solid suggestions, particularly the 1921 Ruble... appeals to the teenage radical in me from half a lifetime ago. Also a striking coin.

Great suggestions, all. One country I'm really looking forward to is Mexico, and I am thinking of a 1948 5 Peso:

https://en.numista.com/catalogue/pieces10919.html

What do you all think? Or is there a Mexico expert who could make a better suggestion?

Either way, this idea of mine (though not an original one, I'm sure), born on a sleepless night, has made me even more excited about coin collecting and numismatics (which I didn't think was possible).

Απόσπασμα: "Frenchlover"​Here is a coin that we will not soon forget!
​
​Not in silver but surely iconic

​Indeed. It might be aluminium (though I have many nice aluminium coins, eg from the DDR and PRC), but I do love owls. In fact, I'd love to own a pair of cuff-links like those.

For Italy I think the silver 500 lire (https://en.numista.com/catalogue/pieces2716.html).

For Denmark I would say the Christian X silver 1 krone (https://en.numista.com/catalogue/pieces14539.html).

For Belgium Perhaps the Mercury 50 franc (https://en.numista.com/catalogue/pieces1870.html).

For Egypt the hexagonal 2 qirsh (https://en.numista.com/catalogue/pieces8677.html).

For Macau I would recommend the little silver pataca (https://en.numista.com/catalogue/pieces36723.html).

For Portugal the revolution 1 escudo (https://en.numista.com/catalogue/pieces20586.html).

For Greece the silver 20 drachmai (https://en.numista.com/catalogue/pieces6010.html).

For Luxembourg the John the blind 50 francs (https://en.numista.com/catalogue/pieces12411.html).

Απόσπασμα: "GoldenGarfield"​For Italy I think the silver 500 lire (https://en.numista.com/catalogue/pieces2716.html).
​
​

​Exquisite coin.

I would think the "Fat Man Dollar" should be on this list. Several denominations to choose from if by type but, finding a genuine one is going to be the trick.

https://en.numista.com/catalogue/pieces3849.html

Edit: I don't see the Mexican Peso listed yet?

https://en.numista.com/catalogue/pieces11588.html

Απόσπασμα: "Peter M. Graham"​​Edit: I don't see the Mexican Peso listed yet?
​
​https://en.numista.com/catalogue/pieces11588.html

​an icon. I was going to add the caballito but they can get expensive.

Have a nice day across the ocean.

One of the "iconic" our mint has certainly has more coins from this term.
https://en.numista.com/catalogue/pieces12621.html



I've presented it before in the past and gave footage of the production on youtube. It is a short film with the Czechoslovak State Mint ,, Kremnica ,, ( SK)
The production of this 10 crowns from silver is an interesting document after the First World War. It is strange to wash silver semi-finished products in a barrel with cheese acid, and the workers do it with their bare hands.
At the end is a scene where the quality output control is performed by hearing on a marble slab. these 5 minutes are worth
watching the movie Mint, which continuously produces 700 years of coins.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=zhRJ_FroxPg

I'm going to pack it for shipment .....
Ahoj Ivan

Hey GoldenGarfield, Peter M. Graham and MIMAEL,

Great ideas. Looks like my shopping list will be full for a few months.

So, to represent Mexico, I bought one of these:

https://en.numista.com/catalogue/pieces4382.html

A beautiful example, too. I love the Phrygian cap... echoing the depiction of Marianne on the coins of France, also the link between France and Mexico in the form of the Second Mexican Empire. Historical (if deservedly ill-fated) indeed!

MIMAEL: I loved your story about the Tomas Masaryk 10 Koruna (I do have an interest in the history and culture of the Czechs, and have been lucky enough to visit Praha), and found a very nice example of that coin... but I waited too long for pay-day and now I'll have to find another!

Απόσπασμα ​MIMAEL: I loved your story about the Tomas Masaryk 10 Koruna (I do have an interest in the history and culture of the Czechs, and have been lucky enough to visit Praha), and found a very nice example of that coin... but I waited too long for pay-day and now I'll have to find another!

​Have a nice weekend and health.

Thank you very much, yes and it is clear that you have taste and do not prefer a polished circus coin type colored ,, Niue ,,
I took the boys-grandchildren and went on a trip to the mint in Slovakia, to the town of "Kremnica". I presented it here a long time ago, great museum shows traditions -and I also tried to stamp their coin by hand for the first time in the museum.

When you need advice with ordering or something similar I am at your disposal -I mean the future.
the first is our favorite site where they can be found:
https://aukro.cz/stribrna-mince-10-korun-t-g-masaryk-1928-10-vyroci-vzniku-csr-6991228299

And here the stone shops ,, only now I kind of think it's already sold out ,,:
ttps://zlataky.cz/stribrna-mince-10-kc-t-g-masaryk-10-vyroci-vzniku-csr-1928

Especially not to fly to ebay or speculators .
best regards Ivan

Haiti 25 Gourdes Year of Women 1975. .925 silver and a divine image.

Wow! It will be an amazing collection. Very good idea.

Brazil has many easy silver coins to collect:

https://en.numista.com/catalogue/index.php?e=brazil_section&r=&ct=coin&tb=y&tc=y&tn=y&tp=y&tt=y&cat=y&ru=&ca=3&no=&v=&i=&b=&d=&u=&a=1900-2000&dg=&m=1&f=&t=&w=&g=&se=&c=&wi=&sw=

I think that it is the most difficult one:
https://en.numista.com/catalogue/pieces36139.html