The Times of Wirtland: Wirtland's gold coin has become available

Important notice: Our official direct retail sales of 2009's Wirtland Gold Crane and Wirtland Silver Crane have been discontinued since July 10, 2010. However, Wirtland will keep on accepting advance wholesale and retail orders for the coins. If you are interested in Wirtland coins, please e-mail at coins [at] wirtland.com. (Notice added 0n July 10, 2010)

The gold coin of Wirtland has now become available for purchase from our official mint. "Wirtland Crane" is considered to be the world's first gold coin issued by a virtual country.

The face side of the coin features a migratory crane, which symbolizes that virtual country transcends lands and borders. The same image of Japanese crane was also used in the Wirtland's postage stamp. The reverse of the coin features the coat of arms of Wirtland, and is also marked "Gold 999,9". As Wirtland has no geographical location, its address in cyberspace is essential. The country's URL "www.WIRTLAND.com", inscribed on the coin, reflects the unique status of Wirtland as an internet-based state.

The diameter of the coin is 16.5 mm, composition: 24 carat pure gold, weight: 1/10 troy oz. (3.2 grams). The price of "Wirtland Crane" (currently $135 retail / $120 wholesale) will be reflecting the current price of gold. Wirtland is not seeking to introduce a new internationally recognized currency. “Wirtland Crane” formally has status similar to that of commemorative or collectors’ coins. Its competitive price* allows “Wirtland Crane” to be used also as an investment tool. As the coin is not intended for circulation, it's denominated symbolically at 10 ICU (International Currency Units).

Wirtland's official partner Moonlight Mint, which has been receiving advance orders for "Wirtland Crane" from collectors all over the world, has now confirmed that "Wirtland Crane" can be purchased directly from its online store complete with official Certificate of Authenticity (regarding discounts for wholesalers and other details please email Mint (at) Wirtland .com). The total mintage of "Wirtland Crane" will be limited.

"I received the Wirtland 10 ICU, and I really think it's a gorgeous coin!" - said Erik V. McCrea, a coin collector, who was the first buyer of "Wirtland Crane" (see photograph). Erik shares his comments in article "Wirtland's coins: first results".

It took us only about 4 months to realize this unprecedented project: from a scratch to first sales of the product. The success of "Wirtland Crane" confirms that Wirtland is an efficient mechanism, which can realize ambitious projects quickly and effectively.

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*Compare the pricing with other gold bullion coins of the same weight, which start at 139 USD and have lower percentage of pure gold. See, for instance American Eagle: (1), (2), (3)

Link to the official press release of Government of Wirtland (PDF)

>> World mass media about Wirtland coins (in English, if not stated otherwise):