Palau - The 1st Colorized coin

February 2026

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No matter what you may think of "colorized" coins from a traditionalists point of view, NCLT, colorized, and a host of other novelty coins are now part of the collectors scene. Personally, I wouldn't collect them but this coin of Palau is noteworthy because it is the first colorized coin to hit the market (1992), and the Mermaid stands out too. Let me know if you need larger version to print out and put on your dart board!
50,000 were minted, only in proof, and they are a one year type.
Note: This coin is acknowledged as the 1st colorized coin. Naturally this is recognized as a NCLT (Non-Circulating Legal Tender). However, Korea issued "cloisonne" coins with colored glass melted on the surface that were designed to be used but were quickly removed from circulation due to the increasing value of silver, the conquest by the Japanese, and their interesting design related to Korea entering the modern world of international trade. All denominations (3) and colors (3), can be seen here in the Moneta Museum (World, Asia, Korea). /showgallery.php?cat=561&page=3
Here's an article on new minting technologies from the Cosmos of Collectibles: [ link ]