Among Coin Collectors of modern issue coinage the Perth Mint in
Australia has gained a reputation for beauty, high quality and innovative
craftsmanship that generally exceeds most modern mints worldwide.  They are
known mostly for their Silver Kookaburra, Gold Nugget (Kangaroo) and Platinum
Koala coins which have a huge following.  So, it was no surprise when the
Perth Mint introduced a new proof set for the discriminating collector called
International Classic Cars.  This five-piece, legal tender proof
set has a worldwide mintage of only 250, and will thrill both the Coin Collector
and the Sports Car aficionado.  The look is classy; the design is artistic;
and, the workmanship is definitely high tech.

Over the past few decades automobile enthusiasts and collectors have grown by
leaps and bounds in the United States and around the world.  One of the
fastest growing segments of this culture is in the area of classic sports cars. 
So, with many coin collectors also being involved in the collecting of cars,
this proof set is perfect for the "motor head."

The proof set consists of four, 1-ounce Silver coins and one, 1-ounce gold
coin.  The automobiles which are displayed on the reverse of each of the
silver coins are as follows: the 1963 Jaguar E-Type, the 1990 Lamborghini
Countach, the 1969 Datsun 240Z, and the 1955 Mercedes-Benz 300SL Gullwing. 
The gold coin displays the 1963 Corvette Sting Ray™. 
Not only are these coins struck impeccably, but they are also colorized
utilizing a technology which gives each of the sports cars a realistic three
dimensional effect with a photographic quality unlike any colorized coin to
date.  There is an additional detail which appears on the silver coins that
will certainly thrill the auto enthusiast.  As a background to the sports
cars, there are three-panels displaying a matte finish presentation of the
wheel, the dashboard and the engine detail, once again in photographic quality
which is embedded into the coin.  Nothing of this magnitude has ever made
its appearance on a coin.

The front of the coin displays a common obverse
with the portrait of Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth II taking center stage. 
The inscription surrounding the Queen's portrait reads QUEEN ELIZABETH II
centered at the 12 o'clock position, and around the bottom of the coin from the
9 o'clock to the 3 o'clock positions it reads 1 DOLLAR (on the gold - 100
DOLLARS), TUVALU (the country island for which the Perth Mint struck the coins)
and 2006 (year of issue).

Each of the five coins in the collection is encapsulated to protect their
beauty for years to come, and they are displayed in a presentation case with a
cover that resembles a Corvette engine valve cover.  The proof set also
includes a numbered Certificate of Authenticity, as well as an informational
sheet on the coins and the sports cars.

As stated earlier, the mintage of the proof set is 250 worldwide; however,
there is an additional 1,250 of each of the silver coins which have been
authorized for striking.  That means the only way to obtain the 1963
Corvette Sting Ray™ gold coin is to purchase the
5-piece proof set.

It is seldom that the Coin Collector sees a
collection with a cross-over market, and in this instance the appeal will draw
to the Sports Car Buff.  One cannot help but wonder just how long these
coins will last on the market.