Golden Coin for the Golden Bear:
Jack Nicklaus collectible a hit at Tokyo coin show

The world's first Official Jack Nicklaus Gold Coin has proved a hit at the Tokyo International Coin Convention in Japan - a country where golf is revered.

The limited edition coin is one of 113 produced by New Zealand Mint to commemorate Nicklaus' 113 tournament wins. Each is crafted from the highest possible international standard of gold (.99999 purity), and weighs 113g.

It is the first time the coin has been put on public display and only 33 are available for sale in Asia as 80 have already been sold in the United States. They each cost JPY950,000.

The coin is legal tender in the Cook Islands and features a portrait of Jack Nicklaus on one side, and the Queen of England on the other. It is elegantly presented in a custom New Zealand native wood case shaped as a golf ball and includes a 36-page booklet personally signed by the golfing great.

Nicknamed the Golden Bear, Jack Nicklaus is considered one of the best golfers the world has ever seen.

Speaking about the special-edition coin, he says: "Golf has been an important part of my life and I'm delighted to be associated with this exclusive collectable from New Zealand Mint. It brings back warm memories for me."

New Zealand Mint director Mark Sutton says Japan is an ideal market for the coins.

"Showing at the Tokyo International Coin Convention is an ideal way to display the coin to Japanese collectors and investors, many of whom are keen golfers. The interest in the coin has been very high."

New Zealand Mint has been the country's only precious metal mint for more than four decades.

The Official Jack Nicklaus Coin can be bought directly from the New Zealand Mint distributor in Japan, Taisei Coins Corporation.

On the Web: www.taiseicoins.com, www.newzealandmint.com