The Franklin Mint Announces The Taj Mahal One Ounce Gold Coin

NEW YORK, Nov. 12, 2010 /PRNewswire/ -- The world-renowned Franklin Mint has secured the remaining quantity of the 1-ounce Taj Mahal Gold Coin for sale to the public. With only 1,000 pieces ever minted in the world, The Franklin Mint expects this limited reserve to sell-out quickly.

The 1-ounce Taj Mahal Gold Coin is minted in .999 pure gold and measures 37mm in diameter. The obverse features a beautiful sculpted image of The Taj Mahal with the initials "RF" standing for the Republic of France as the official issuing monetary authority.

The coin was minted and designed by the world-renowned Monnaie de Paris and has the same design as its 2.2-pound counterpart, which is being unveiled on Friday, November 12, 2010 at The Franklin Mint's new world headquarters (8 W. 40th Street, New York, NY).  The 2.2-pound Taj Mahal Gold Coin is the first and only French coin comprised of pure solid gold and 68 hand-set Cartier diamonds.  

"For the average collector, the 1-ounce Taj Mahal Gold Coin offers a unique opportunity to buy a piece of history," said Walter J. Kole, Chief Numismatist for The Franklin Mint. "Gold has appreciated in value at a historic rate over the past few years, and with only 1,000 one ounce coins ever to exist this coin represents a truly once-in-a-lifetime opportunity for art, coin and other collectors."

About The Franklin Mint

An American icon, The Franklin Mint was founded in 1964 and is known worldwide for its innovative design, meticulous attention to detail and creation of the highest-quality collectibles in the world. The Franklin Mint's peerless archives contain over 12,000 products, including Limited Edition fine art sculptures, heirloom dolls, fine commemorative coins, designer jewelry, precision die-cast models and historic reproductions, as well as collections honoring some of the world's most revered and diverse artists, individuals and institutions, from Andrew Wyeth to Peter Maxx, from Harley-Davidson® to the Vatican.

For more information on how to order this coin please call 1-800-THE-MINT (1-800-843-6468) or visit our web site at www.franklinmint.com/tajgold

About Monnaie de Paris

Monnaie de Paris, is one of the oldest institutions in France. Its origin can be traced back to the edict of currency by the Emperor Charles le Chauve on June 24 of the year 864. Its factory, located in the West of France since 1973, strikes the circulating coins for all of France, as well as other countries.

Additionally, the centuries-old Monnaie de Paris Museum, located in the center of Paris, facing the Louvre, hosts a stunning collection of precious metal items struck by the Monnaie, including collectible coins, jewelry, bronze casts and official awards such as the Legion of Honor. This historical Parisian site, a former royal manufacturer, was originally built for the striking of coins during the 18th century. Its pre-industrial architecture adds a unique enhancement to its cultural roots and charitable actions. The Museum notably featured the exhibition of photographer David LaChapelle in 2009 and Willy Ronis in 2010 in support of the Care Foundation.

The Monnaie de Paris is a member of the prestigious Comite Colbert, an association with current membership totaling 75 luxury French companies.

SOURCE The Franklin Mint