Public gets COTY vote

For the first time, the general public will cast votes to determine the "People's Choice" of the world's best coinage when Coin of the Year (COTY) voting goes live Dec. 1 at NumisMaster.com.

The contest, sponsored by World Coin News, is in its 25th year of honoring the mints of the world that produce the most artistic, historically relevant and innovative coinage.

This year, a "People's Choice" Award will be awarded, in addition to the COTY. "For the first time ever, thanks to the Internet, we are opening up the Coin of the Year decision-making process to public participation," said David C. Harper, World Coin News editor and COTY master of ceremonies.

"We have always cared about what average collectors think about new coinissues, and we here at World Coin News believe this added public element will augment the prestige of the COTY Award," said Harper.

The COTY will be determined by a panel of mint officials, museum curators, medalists, numismatic experts and journalists.

Last year's Coin of the Year winner was the U.S. Mint for its coin celebrating the 250th anniversary of the United States Marine Corps. Mints from Germany, Australia, Austria, Belarus, and Israel were also honored with awards. This year's ceremony will be held at the World Money Fair in Berlin,Germany, during the first weekend in February 2008.

To view this year's nominees and to cast your vote, visit visit Numismaster.com beginning Dec. 1 and click on "Contests."