Original gifts for Valentine's Day will not be a problem this year after the Bermuda Monetary Authority began offering special prices on it's commemorative coin collection.

The coins, featured in the Coins of Bermuda book, bear special markings -- some tracing Bermuda's popular images through the years.

Tamera Smith, BMA Currency Bureau member, said: "In recognition of Valentine's Day this year, BMA is pleased to introduce a special offer on it's inventory of commemorative coins.

"Special prices are available immediately and will continue until February 14.'' she said.

Mrs. Smith also briefly outlined the different coins: The Monarch Butterfly coin, being offered in `silver proof' and `silver uncirculated', was the fifth and final one-dollar coin in a five-year series.

An Olympic Games three coin set, developed in consultation with the Bermuda Olympic Association, recognises Bermuda's participation in both the 1992 Winter Games in Albertville, France and the 1992 Summer Games in Barcelona, Spain. The set consists of gold, silver and bronze coins. Another Olympic commemorative coin recognises Bermuda's participation in the 1992 Olympic Games.

The Humpback Whale coin is a two-dollar coin, and depicts flora and fauna on the other side.

The BMA produced a limited number honouring the Royal visit by Queen Elizabeth II in 1994, to the Caribbean nations and Bermuda.

Another coin honours the Queen's seventieth birthday and depicts her being driven by landau into the City of Hamilton, during her first official visit in 1953.

And the Skink is depicted on a coin as part of the World Wildlife Fund International Coin Collection, an international commemorative coin programme.

The skink, unique to Bermuda, is a snake-like lizard with smooth shiny skin, a thick tail, short legs and claws.

The BMA also offers a 1999 proof set of the five circulating coins of Bermuda -- marking the year when the new portrait of Queen Elizabeth II appears on coinage.

And the Tall Ships 2000 event is commemorated -- recognising Bermuda's part in the westbound trans-Atlantic leg.

The BMA is also issuing coins that reflect the past and the future -- called the Masterpiece Millennium.

The coin shows a ship sailing in the sunrise with the national motto Quo Fata Ferunt, inscribed in the water.

Those interested in purchasing any of the collections or coins can contact Karen Paynter, Tamera Smith or Patricia Butterfield at 292-5278.

All that glitters: The BMA is offering these special coins.