No Time For COVID!

It seems even Bond couldn’t escape COVID. No Time To Die was originally intended to hit cinemas in April 2020 - the London premiere was cancelled (along with everything else) when cases began to overtake the UK. Thankfully, after months of delays, the latest Bond installation is just around the corner, with a new release date confirmed for October 8, 2021. Good news for Bond’s birthplace - the UK will be able to get a first look at the latest adventure on September 30!

Directed by Cary Joji Fukunaga, with a script co-written by Phoebe Waller-Bridge, it’s Daniel Craig’s fifth and final tour of duty as the iconic spy. It promises to be quite the swan-song, with Craig noting, "I just want to go out on a high note, and I can't wait.” He is still oozing enough style to leave the audience breathless and anticipation is at fever pitch! With fans starved of their hero for so long, there has been much speculation, multiple trailers, clips, hints and interviews.

Producer Barbara Broccoli has revealed that No Time To Die is “a culmination of everything that his [Bond] portrayal of the character has been through, and it ties up all the storylines. It’s a pretty epic film, I have to say.” There’s plenty to talk about – so let’s jump right into it!

In the beginning, there was… Jamaica!

The opening of the film seems to find a rather chilled James enjoying some much-deserved R’R in Jamaica with Ms. Swann, the French psychologist and daughter of mysterious SPECTRE member, Mr. White. Bond seems to have found some Zen in retirement, blissfully in love, living a tranquil life. Unfortunately, events don’t bode well for Bond, who just can’t seem to catch a break, poor guy! The peace is shattered when Felix Leiter, an old friend from the CIA, arrives asking for help…

Valdo Obruchev, a scientist of some kind, seems to have disappeared and only our beloved 007 is equipped to sort it all out! Of course, Valdo didn’t get lost walking his dog in the park – he has been abducted, and Bond must confront a scheming villain whose evil machinations could result in the death of millions. The plot involves some sort of new and mysterious technology that, rumour has it, involves genetic warfare. If this is all sounding frighteningly familiar, we hear you! Here’s hoping it’s not the next variant of the Corona Virus!

Betrayal, an evil Rami Malek and a new 007!

No Time To Die will carry on directly from Spectre with heavy themes of betrayal thrown into the mix! The trailer presents Bond addressing Madeline Swann with the delectable line ‘We all have our secrets… we just didn’t get to yours yet!’ Ooooh … interesting!

There is a new villain to look forward to (cue maniacal laughter) in the form of ‘Safin’, played by the delightfully talented Rami Malek – who seems to really be relishing the role of the bad guy. “I promise you all I will be making sure Mr Bond does not have an easy ride of it in this, his 25th outing”, Malek quips. We can’t wait… there also seems to be a Blofeld return! Other familiar faces include Ralph Fiennes (M), Ben Whishaw (Q), Naomie Harris (Moneypenny), Rory Kinnear (Tanner) and Jeffrey Wright (Felix Leiter).

Hang on! A new 007?

There is also a 007 that’s not Bond - fresh out of whatever dark vault MI6 seems to keep their agents! When it was announced that there would be a new 007, rumours swirled that Daniel Craig’s replacement was, in fact, a woman. That wasn’t entirely true – the woman in question will NOT be playing the new Bond. Instead, she took over his secret agent number (007) after he left MI6 at the end of Spectre.

Nomi, played by British actress Lashana Lynch, is the new ‘007’– a formidable spy, well-versed in witty retorts, who whole-heartedly takes on the role. One of the most important characters in No Time To Die, she also embraces many of the 007 tropes, driving a black Aston Martin, and is totally in her element as a smooth operator at glitzy events. From the few snippets we’ve seen, she keeps up nicely with Bond!

What about the song? Enter Billie Eilish!

“Fool me once, fool me twice. Are you death or paradise?” … so croons Billie Eilish in the theme song for No Time To Die. The lyrics tantalisingly imply more deceit and betrayal for poor James in a very dramatic ballad! At 18, Eilish is the youngest singer to record a song for the franchise.  "Now you'll never see me cry," she concludes. "There's just no time to die." The spine-tingling words seem to confirm the theory that Daniel Craig's final tour as Bond will see him double-crossed by Madeleine Swann.

BOND voyage Daniel!

As the curtain draws to a close on Daniel Craig’s legacy as Bond, here’s hoping all questions are answered and he leaves us with some form of closure on the emotional character arc that began with 2006’s Casino Royal.

If you are a Bond super-fan, and let’s face it, if you’ve read this far you are, you need the awesome, James Bond Official Coin Collection in your life. Indulge in some nostalgia with a subscription collection of 25 pure silver coins struck by the Perth Mint, honouring all the iconic Bond films. Each coin comes with its own Certificate of Authenticity, featuring the original official poster artwork. A sweeping piece of cinematic history, all the blockbusters are included – From Russia With Love all the way to the Daniel Craig’s last, No Time To Die.

One thing’s for sure – whoever comes next as 007 has some pretty spectacular shoes to fill!

Celebrating “the queen of people’s hearts” on her 60^th birthday

60 years have passed since the birth of the beloved “people’s princess” and a flurry of commemorations have been planned for this important milestone. We remember the vibrant woman who left her mark on so many lives, on what would have been Diana’s 60^th birthday on July 1^st.

The most poignant celebration is the installation of a statue in the garden of Kensington palace on July 1st by her sons William and Harry. Created by the artist Ian Rank-Broadley, the sculpture is said to recognise Diana’s “positive impact”. Famed for creating the iconic effigy of the queen that is found on British and Commonwealth coins – the choice of this artist is by no means inconsequential!

The unveiling of the statue could present an opportunity for the best post-humous gift Diana will receive on this significant occasion. Not the statue itself, but the opportunity for her sons to rekindle their brotherly bond, which has been plagued with rumour and speculation over “Megxit” and the separation inflicted by the COVID pandemic.

Diana’s London apartment will also receive a blue plaque from the charity English Heritage. A blue plaque traditionally marks spaces associated with noteworthy Brits, and Diana’s will be placed at her Coleherne Court flat to honour the late princess. Diana shared this flat with friends before her marriage to Charles, and fans of The Crown will recognise the building from season four when Diana announces her engagement to her friends.

A trailblazing English rose

Remembered for being so much more than a representative of The House of Windsor, Diana really was a woman ahead of her time. Taking life into her own hands and blazing her own path as a fashion icon, humanitarian and a remarkably compassionate human being.

Possessing buckets of charisma and drive, one cannot help but wonder what more she may have accomplished and who she may have been in 2021. She would, no doubt, have taken pride in her sons’ work with mental health and their continuation of her charitable legacy!

Her sons’ continuing work with The Royal Foundation would make Diana immensely proud of their concerted efforts to shatter the stigma around mental health by starting conversations - and they are leading by example! Both the Duke of Cambridge and The Duke of Sussex have discussed their own mental health challenges publicly in recent years (especially with respect to their mother’s untimely death). Through their mental health campaign, Heads Together, they hope to encourage people to talk openly about their experiences of depression, anxiety and suicidal thoughts.

Iconic status should not overshadow the very real person we honour today

Public interest in Diana remains high, particularly as we remember her on the occasion of her 60^th birthday. We should remember Diana not only as the woman who “stole the show” with iconic outfits, but also the very real person and her struggles. Significantly, only now, 26 years later, is the BBC being held to account over the Martin Bashir interview that had such dire consequences for Diana, her family and the monarchy.

How you can remember Diana this July…

Australia most certainly has its legions of Diana fans who will no doubt be looking for a way to commemorate her legacy on what would have been her 60^th Birthday.

If you’re looking for an exclusive limited edition keepsake for yourself, or a friend, why not consider a commemorative you can treasure forever? Downies Collectables is offering a tribute of immense beauty to mark the occasion of Diana’s 60^th birthday - an 99.9% pure silver-plated medallion featuring an enchanting full-colour portrait of the princess, available for a special pre-release price of just $10! Plus receive FREE delivery!

Click here to find out more.

 “I know that I can give love for a minute, for half an hour, for a day, for a month, but I can give. I am very happy to do that and I want to do that”

- Diana, Princess of Wales.

‘Bond, James Bond’ is perhaps one of the most recognizable lines in film history. Known for his impeccable style and charm, fast cars, and fancy gadgets – James Bond has dominated the spy genre.

For decades, people have queued to see the latest James Bond film. The thrill of seeing his latest adventure unfold is a multi-generational experience that millions of fans have enjoyed.

Licence to Collect.

Macquarie Mint is proud to introduce the Official James Bond Coin Collection. Struck by The Perth Mint, each 99.9% pure silver coin is struck to proof quality.
Precisely enhanced with full colour – each coin design features the original poster art from each one of the James Bond film. 

Your first two coins feature ‘Dr. No’ and ‘From Russia With Love’ and are available for the special price of just $99.90 plus FREE shipping! You will also receive two official ‘007’ presentation folders to house your collection – FREE for subscribers. Plus, each coin is issued with a Certificate of Authenticity featuring the full original movie poster artwork.

Highly exclusive, the Official James Bond Coin Collection has a limited mintage of just 12,007!

Don’t miss out!

Just subscribe now and you’ll receive two new coins in the Official James Bond Coin Collection each month! Fuss-free and affordable, just relax and enjoy reliable deliveries direct to your door each month.

FIND OUT MORE

Macquarie Mint is excited to add a new volume in the immensely popular Birds of Australia Subscription. Eight new medallions are now part of the collection – bringing it to a total of 24. Some new birds featured include the ‘White-Fronted Falcon’ and the ‘Australian Masked Owl’.

The Birds of Australia Collection pays homage to one of the most famous works of Australian literature. John Gould’s ‘The Birds of Australia’ features seven volumes. Published in the 1840s – it represents the first in-depth study of Australian birdlife. And the books wouldn’t be complete without the impressive illustrations by Elizabeth Gould, John Gould’s talented wife.

The Birds of Australia Collection brings these outstanding illustrations to life in stunning full-colour. This collection pays tribute to John Gould’s important contributions to ornithology and Elizabeth’s beautiful works of art.

Third Volume Available Now!

The first two volumes of the Birds of Australia Collection have been immensely popular since their initial release. And now Macquarie Mint is thrilled to bring you the third volume of 8-more medallions. John Gould has made a major contribution to science, his studies being used in the inception of Darwin’s theory of evolution by natural selection!>

This collection captures Australian birdlife in vibrant full-colour through a precise colouring technique. The commemoratives also feature a unique obverse design brilliantly struck with intricate detail and finished in 99.9% pure silver.

Subscribe Today and Save

Upon subscribing you will receive the Eastern Rosella commemorative as your first issue. Finished in silver, featuring a life-like full-colour design of this beloved Australian Parrot. Plus, you’ll immediately save $20 off the series price. You will then receive further issues for $59.95 per shipment.

CLICK HERE SEE THE FULL COLLECTION

If you grew up in or visited Melbourne, then you likely have fond memories of rolling through the Dandenong Ranges in Puffing Billy. Earning its name from locals, the line began operating 120 years ago in Melbourne’s picturesque outer east. Since the 1950’s it has been one of the country’s most popular tourist trains.

Since then, hundreds of thousands of people have made fond childhood memories hanging out of the train’s windows over the famous trestle bridges. Being able to re-live the early 20th-century experience of riding a steam train with on-board conductors is a must-do in Melbourne. And it wouldn’t be a day on Puffing Billy if you didn’t stop at Gembrook for a picnic!

And of course, these experiences wouldn’t be possible without the tireless efforts of more than 600 dedicated volunteers.

120 Years Captured In a 1oz Silver Proof Coin!

Marking the 120^th Anniversary of the opening of the mail line between Belgrave and Gembrook in 1900, this officially licensed Puffing Billy Railway product is struck from pure 99.9% silver and forms a fantastic tribute to the world-famous Puffing Billy!

Official legal tender of Niue, the coin measures 40mm in diameter. The stunning full-colour design features the iconic train in action. Also included is an individually numbered certificate and a beautiful plush presentation case.

Secure Yours Today!

With an extremely limited mintage of just 1,000, the 2020 $1 Puffing Billy 1oz Silver Proof Coin is bound to sell out quickly!

BUY NOW

Buy yours now for $179 online at downies.com/puffingbilly or call 1300 788 358 to place an order. 

Watch the Video

Every year, October 10^th is officially recognised as World Mental Health Day. It is a day for global mental health education, awareness and advocacy. The day is especially significant in 2020 – as the world goes through some turbulent times. The goal of this year’s campaign is to increase investment in mental health worldwide.

Essential workers who have been on the frontline of the pandemic need access to the best mental health services. Australian’s are lucky to have dedicated not-for-profits such as Beyond Blue to support these people.

Beyond Blue’s vision is for every Australian to achieve their best possible mental health. Their mission is to equip Australians with the skills they need to look after their own mental health and wellbeing. This work is crucial in supporting essential workers during the pandemic.

To support Beyond Blue’s vision, Macquarie Mint will donate a portion of the proceeds from every coin purchased in the Thank You Collection to Beyond Blue.

Say ‘Thank You’ with the Thank You Collection!

Mental Health is an issue that impacts the lives of every Australian in one way or another.

With everyone around the world having experienced some sort of change in their life as a result of the ongoing pandemic, looking after ourselves and reaching out to friends, family, colleagues and even casual acquaintances is the key to getting through this.

This is especially true for our workers on the frontline of this crisis, working selflessly to get us through to the other end of this.

In Australia, we’re lucky to have dedicated not-for-profits such as Beyond Blue to help us through tough times. Beyond Blue‘s vision is for everyone in Australia to achieve their best possible mental health. Their mission is to equip Australians with the skills they need to look after their own mental health and wellbeing and to create confidence in their ability to support those around them. This work is crucial in supporting essential workers during the pandemic.

Macquarie Mint is proud to be supporting Beyond Blue in their mission to change lives for the better.

To help support these critical mental health initiatives that benefit essential workers and all Australians, we’ve developed the Thank You Collection.

A portion of the proceeds from every coin sold in the collection will be donated to Beyond Blue.

Not All Heroes Wear Capes

The Thank You Collection is a way of honouring the efforts of Australia’s essential frontline workers during the pandemic.

Fans of Sir Elton John may still be reeling from his Farewell Yellow Brick Road Tour and retirement announcement.

But some relief may be found in The Royal Mint’s announcement to produce a series of coins that pay tribute to his legacy.

In his time, Elton John has made more than 4,000 performances and sold over 300 million records worldwide. Producing an incredible number of hit singles, Elton is undoubtedly one of the world’s truly great music superstars.

The legal tender coins come in 99.9% pure gold, silver and non-precious metal and feature his iconic glasses and straw boater hat on the reverse side.

Sir Elton is pleased to have his contribution to the music industry recognised this way. "The last few years have contained some of the most memorable moments of my career, and this is another truly humbling milestone on my journey", he said.

Downies has secured a small allocation of the collection as an official distributor for the Royal Mint, so get in quick and secure yours today! 

Shop the Elton John 2020 Range Today

 

 

 

 

 

Modern collecting is often marked by a fervent desire for collectors to acquire the new and innovative. It's not everyone's cup of tea, but these unique modern issues are highly sought after - as long as they are also high quality. For many years now, Downies has partnered with, and been sole official Australian distributor for, one of the most innovative coin producers in the world - Coin Invest Trust (CIT).

2013 500 Togrog Mongolian Nature – Crying Wolf 1/2oz Silver BU - Click image for more information

Established in 1970, CIT is a European firm that has been producing coins since 1982. Over the years CIT have won a number of high-profile awards for their ground-breaking releases, including the Coin Of The Year award for their 'Gulo Gulo' Wolverine coin, part of the Wildlife Protection Silver Series. They are known for a range of ground-breaking numismatic issues, including the Pearl Silver Proof Series, the Tiffany Glass $10 Series, and the Meteorite Silver Proof series, to name just a few.

The original Tiffany Glass offer made way back in 2004!

As an indication of the popularity of some of their coins, the first of CITs Tiffany Glass $10 Series was sold by Downies for $139.95 in May, 2004. It is now selling at up to $4,000 on the open market! It's no mere fluke, either, as each of the coins in that series (and many others) have sold out almost instantly each year since!

Andorra 2013 5 Diners Swallowtail Butterfly 3D Colour Silver Proof - click image for more information

A big part of what makes releases by CIT so globally popular is that not only are they extremely innovative (3D coins with Butterfly wings, anybody?), but they are also crafted to the highest standards. CIT don't just create new coins - they craft innovative, high-quality collector pieces that push the boundaries of modern numismatics. Downies is happy to partner with them and share their story with our collectors.

Footy Season has started!

An irresistible opportunity for fanatical football followers and passionate collectors alike, we are celebrating the start of the 2013 AFL season this weekend with some absolutely devastating discounts! Extremely exclusive, and officially licensed AFL products, the 2012 AFL Premiership Collection and the 2012 $1 AFL Premiership 1oz Silver Proof can now be yours at below the Official Issue Price! But only while stocks last!

2012 AFL Premiership Collection – SAVE A$50!

An officially licensed AFL product, the 2012 AFL Premiership Collection forms a prestigious keepsake of Sydney's memorable triumph. Headlined by the Royal Australian Mint's superbly struck .999 fine 2012 $1 AFL Premiers 1oz Silver Proof, this outstanding work of Australian sporting memorabilia also comprises a miniature replica of the 2012 AFL Premiership Cup, plus a replica of the 2012 AFL Premiers Medallion presented to the players of the winning side.

Strictly limited to an edition of 5,000 sets – each presented in a lavish timber case with a Certificate of Authenticity – this official AFL collection is normally A$295. A sensational celebratory saving, we will knock off a massive A$50 from the regular retail! Act now – only while stocks last!

2012 $1 AFL Premiership 1oz Silver Proof – SAVE A$15!

A must-have for footy fans and Silver Proof collectors alike, we also have the 2012 $1 AFL Premiership 1oz Silver Proof available individually – at under the Official Issue Price!

Struck to the apex of Proof quality from a troy ounce of .999 fine silver, the limited edition of this official Australian legal tender issue has been restricted to a mere 1,500 coins – each beautifully presented within an official RAM case. Normally A$115, this officially licensed AFL product can now be yours for less than A$100!