Toss A Coin Trivia Quiz

Answer: Britain

The coin was issued in 2003 to celebrate the 50th anniversary of the discovery of DNA. It has an edge inscription of 'DEOXYRIBONUCLEIC ACID' and over four million were minted. The scientists were James Watson (USA), Francis Crick (UK), Maurice Wilkins (NZ) and Rosalind Franklin (UK).

All these countries listed as potential answers have used the pound as their currency, although Ireland has been using the Euro since 2002.

Answer: China

Starting off with imitation cowrie shells from the eighth century BC, the Chinese initially moved on to metal coins shaped like spades and daggers. From the third century BC, the coins were circular with holes in them.

Using square holes assisted in the production process, allowing coins to be threaded onto a square peg so that the edges could be filed smooth. Unlike in the West, Chinese coins were typically cast.

Answer: Russia

The double-headed eagle appears on a two rouble (or ruble) coin. This is a relatively recent denomination and was introduced in 1998 with one new rouble equalling a thousand old ones. The Palace shown is in Moscow. You might also be able to make out a plaque on the chest of the eagle showing St George slaying a dragon.

The double-headed eagle was used by the Byzantine, the Holy Roman (in the Middle Ages), the Serbian and the Russian Empires.

Answer: Thailand

The baht was originally a weight measurement. It was the equivalent of 15 grams of silver at one time. The temple can be found in the capital city Bangkok's Grand Palace complex. The image appears on the one baht coin issued between 1986 and 2012, and its replacement first minted in 2008.

Answer: Australia

The duck-billed platypus is endemic to Australia. Australia moved from pounds, shillings and pence to dollars and cents in 1966 with various native fauna adorning the reverse sides. The 20 cent coin with the duck-billed platypus replaced the florin or two shilling piece. Various designs of the Queen's head have been used on the obverse.

Answer: South Africa

The animal is a springbok and the gold coin is the Krugerrand.

Krugerrands were created in 1967 as a means of selling South African gold to the public. They are made of 22 carat gold with the balance of copper. By 1980 the South Africans were supplying 90% of this market and their success encourage other countries to follow suit. For example, it is now possible to buy Australian Nuggets and Chinese Gold Pandas.

Answer: Canada

This non-circulating dollar depicts a Canadian moose with mountain scenery and was produced by the Royal Canadian Mint. They now also include colour coins in their range, including circulating coins; for example, there is a silver dollar with an insert in the shape of a polar bear made from nephrite jade.

Answer: Isle of Man

Of the answers, only the Isle of Man is a Crown dependency. Gibraltar is a British Overseas Territory, North Ireland is part of the UK and the Faroe Islands is linked to Denmark. The Isle of Man uses the triskele on its flag.

The Isle of Man produces numerous commemorative coins and you would have to buy several hundred different coins to complete the various sets. As such it is a bit of an earner for the island. There are more than a dozen in the "Harry Potter" set. Of the various sets produced, the most popular ones are those depicting cats, produced annually since 1988. Where such coins are legal tender, it is only within the Isle of Man itself.

Answer: Israel

Although naturalised in many countries and regions, the Middle East is usually associated with the date palm, which narrows the choice of countries down to Israel and Oman. The shekel is the currency of Israel.

Answer: USA

This nickel carries the portrait of Thomas Jefferson, the third President of the US, on the obverse. The reverse face shows Monticello, his Virginia home. A nickel is five cents. "In God We Trust" is the official motto of the US, adopted in 1956.