What am I talking about? Has anyone ever HEARD of Tuvalu?

Or does anyone know that the Perth Mint in Australia produces many coins for Tuvalu?

Well, this is the 50th Anniversary of BARBIE! Tuvalu, in coordination with the Perth Mint and even Mattel, issued an official coin in honor of this milestone, with Barbie looking as she originally did.

The coin is colorized by the Perth Mint (not after market), in a color specified and as I understand it, patented by Mattel or something like that, they are limited editions, have special mint packaging, the whole deal. H.M. Queen Elizabeth II graces the obverse. Barbie has come a long way from Ken and even her dream house in Malibu to be sharing a silver bullion coin with Queen Elizabeth!

I haven't gotten my coin just yet, but I purchased it, already graded in PF70 Ultra Cameo by NGC.

Somehow, I don't think there is a competitive set for these coins. Why is that?

For the record, I am comfortable enough in my manhood to admit that I thought Barbie's 50th was JUST TOO FUN to NOT miss the chance of getting the coin in such limited edition (20,000 worldwide). Sure, other things are more limited than that, but still, it's a funky item, no?).

Check out The Perth Mint and a sneak a peek at the Barbie coin here:

http://www.perthmint.com.au/catalogue/barb50.aspx