CoinNews

U.S. Mint circulating coin production is down across the board based on a current pace that should see about 10.1 billion coins minted in 2008. That compares to 14.4 billion coins issued in 2007 and over 15 billion in years 2006 and 2005. In fact, at the current rate, 2008 coin output will end at its lowest level in at least the last ten years.

The Mint's first release of production figures for 2008 reported 3.2 billion coins struck through April. The newest figures indicated 6.7 billion coins were minted through August, or about 842 million coins on average per month. The comparison charts shown below provide the best visual evidence of the declines at both Mint facilities in Denver and Philadelphia.

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The Bulgarian National Bank (BNB) announced on Monday it had issued a silver coin celebrating the 100th anniversary since the country's independence proclamation. On September 22, 1908, Bulgaria proclaimed its independence from the Ottoman Empire and became a sovereign kingdom.

The issue is only the second in Bulgarian history to commemorate its independence. The first was in 1912 with the release of two gold coins. The newest commemorative incorporates some of the same design as the older coins.

According to BNB, the 100 anniversary coin has a face value of BGN 10, is composed of .925 silver, weighs 23.33 grams, and has a diameter of 38.61 millimeters. The coins are minted in proof condition, and limited to 5,000.

Sofia News Agency quoted Prime Minister Sergey Stanishev during the coin presentation ceremony as saying:

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