The sensor of some optical mice can be used to easily and cheaply detect counterfeit euros, according to a study published by researchers of the University of Lleida (UdL) in the scientific journal Sensors.
Almost 80% of counterfeit coins discovered in Europe in 2008 were two-euro coins. The sensor, incorporated in optical computer mice, is usually used to guide cursor movement, but can also be used as a counterfeit coin detector. This ...
Full Article: Counterfeit Euros Are Detected With an Optical Mouse - Science Daily
The Spanish Royal Mint have released their coin products program for 2010, with much to get excited about.
January: Starting off the year are coins to celebrating the Spanish Presidency of the European Union. Every six months a new country is selected to take on the role of EU president, with Spain receiving this honor from January to June, 2010 ...
Full Article: Spanish Royal Mint 2010 Coin Schedule - Numismatters
The second 100 Euro coin in the gold series "Crowns of the House of Habsburg" will be released on Wednesday, 4th November. It is dedicated to the so-called "Archduke’s Hat", a name derived from the red velvet cap within the crown itself.
The title of archduke was invented by Rudolf IV in the spurious document of 1358/59 called the privilegium maius. t was an attempt to assert the status of the House of Habsburg as the equal of any Prince Elector of the Holy Roman Empire. There exists a mediaeval portrait of Rudolf wearing ...
Full Article: Austrian's Crown of an Archduke Gold Coin Launch - CoinNews
Collector coins are not the only coins that have recently experienced a surge in being counterfeited. Stamp collectors refer to fantasy issues as "cinderellas," these being items that appear to be stamps but are not recognized as such by any stamp issuing authority. Fantasy issues are a problem in coin circles as well, with the large increase in the number of fantasy issues mimicking European Union euro denominated coins having become big business in recent years.
Full Article: Fantasy Euro Coins on the Rise - NumisMaster
Residents of the Euro-zone marked the 10th anniversary of their coinage on Jan. 1 with the release of a new commemorative two-euro coin.
Citizens and residents of the European Union chose the design in an online vote last year. The winning design was created by, Georgios Stamatopoulos, of the Minting Department of the Greek Central Bank.
Read article: Euro Celebrates 10th Birthday - NumisMaster
Twelve months after the demise of the Maltese lira, Slovakia on midnight joined the euro area, becoming the 16th EU member state to adopt the young currency which turns 10 this year.
All-night celebrations were held in Bratislava to mark the event, less than five years since the former communist country joined the EU.
Preparations for the euro in Slovakia were intensified over the past months after EU Finance Ministers gave the green light last July.
Read article: Slovakia changes currency on 10th anniversary of euro - timesofmalta.com
A commemorative €2 coin marking the 10th anniversary of the Economic and Monetary Union (EMU) will be issued in all euro area member states in January 2009.
A Central Bank of Malta representative confirmed that the Maltese coins will be issued starting January 5. The coins will be available for purchase in rolls of 25 coins at the price of €57.75 per roll, including VAT, while a number of coins will be issued in normal circulation.
Read article: Commemorative €2 coin to be issued in January - DI-VE
Starter kits containing 45 Slovak euro coins sold like "hot cakes" on Monday, according to The Slovak Spectator. Reports say the coin kits sold out at large city banks and post offices within hours as people waited in long lines. That, despite the inability to spend the money until January 1, 2009, when Slovakia officially adopts the euro.
Read article: Slovak Euro Coin Starter Kits a Hit - Coin News
French designer Philippe Starck, creator of chic hotels, high-tech lamps and modernistic furniture, turned his hand to the world of hard currency with the design of a new euro coin to mark France's EU presidency.
Entire article: French designer Starck mints new euro coins - Reuters
