To some, coins are merely a type of currency. But, to the collector, they are artistic masterpieces that can be held in the palm of one's hand. It is said that beauty lies in the eyes of the beholder. Of the thousands of coin designs to grace coins over the ages, here are five world coins that I consider particularly stunning.

World coins are commonly overlooked by collectors, dismissed as having low value. But contrary to these beliefs, world coins encompass a huge area including countless rarities and a series for just about any interest.