Copper Country Bullion
The First Troy Ounce Copper Bullion Coin
A solid copper bullion coin honoring the famous Quincy Mine in Hancock, Michigan, located on the scenic Keweenaw Peninsula. The piece was minted from a massive blank weighing 36 grams of pure .997 copper. On the obverse is a high relief image of a miner with pick, oil lamp, and pipe. The reverse side depicts the still-standing Quincy #2 shaft-house, a National Historic Site, viewed from the south.
This coin was made in 2006 and is historically significant in the bullion trade as it was the first ever use of troy ounces as the weight designation of copper bullion. The use of the troy ounce in denominating the weight of copper was intended as an offhand joke, as troy ounces are generally used only in reference to precious metals. The fact that the 36 gram weight is almost five grams over a troy ounce made the piece even more ludicrous, and was intended to be representative of the fact that you get more than your money's worth when you visit the Copper Country! Even though it was a joke, it has now, years later, become commonplace for copper bars and rounds to be designated in troy ounces.
This is a fine piece of mining-related exonumia, a great addition to any collection of Upper Peninsula minerals or artifacts, and a historically significant bullion piece.
This Copper Country Bullion is struck from solid copper, measures 3.3 cm in diameter, and weighs about 36 grams. Design by
Tom Maringer, engraving by Gary Carlisle and Stan Pearson.
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Each order comes packed with a handwritten envelope sealed with wax straight from Shire Post Mint! Unless changed, we will hand write the name of the person listed in the Shipping Address.
If ordering a gift or if you'd like to customize your handwritten name, please include the recipient's name in the Order Notes/Personalization Options field as you complete your order.
One envelope is included in your order, if you would like to purchase additional handwritten Gift Envelopes, you can find them here.
Our Process
Shire Post Mint coins are struck one at a time in West Fork, Arkansas, USA using solid metals, hand-engraved designs, antique machinery and traditional coining techniques. For antiqued coins, the coloring/patina process is done by hand, and it is both an art and a science so coins will vary slightly. Our unique packaging includes a description of each coin and translations if applicable.
We collaborate with many artists to create our coins. Learn more about our artists.
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