Introduction Coins made of nickel or containing nickel (copper-nickel, nickel-plated, etc.) have a special appeal among collectors, because they often represent transitional phases in minting technology, responses to economic pressures (like the rising cost of silver), or aesthetic and metallurgical experimentation. In the Netherlands, while many older coins were silver or copper based, the mid-20th century onward saw increasing use of nickel (or nickel alloys) for durability, cost, and modernization. Rarity in these coins may arise from low mintage, withdrawal before general circulation, errors, proof issues, or wartime constraints. This article explores the Dutch context: what coins qualify, which are rare, and what makes them valuable to collectors, along with broader historical context. 2. His...
Introduction The Philippines, a land of deep spirituality, mysticism, and cultural diversity, is home to countless traditions that blur the line between religion and folklore. Among these traditions, few are as captivating as the belief in the anting-anting , a charm or amulet believed to hold supernatural powers. While these objects can be made from various materials—stone, wood, cloth, or bone—one of the most prestigious and revered forms is the gold anting-anting . Gold, being a symbol of purity, wealth, and divine energy, adds another layer of sacred meaning to the already powerful concept of the anting-anting. For centuries, Fili...