Most coins are round. It is the shape most people associate with them. However, some coins that are not intended to circulate, those minted especially for collectors, have other shapes.
Rectangular coins are becoming more popular. These are often associated with those that have an artistic design, such as the Dreaming Kangaroo and the Dreaming Turtle coins minted by the Perth Mint. Each of these comes in gold and in silver. Another example of the rectangular design is the series from the Perth Mint, the Chinese Characters series of four coins available in either gold or silver. The Chinese Character Series includes Fortune, Longevity, Success, and Wealth.The Perth Mint has also released "square" issues in the past. The half-ounce kookaburra was produced in an almost square design, which was called square by many people. It is rounded on the corners, as are the corners of many rectangular and square coins, but because of its size the rounded corners compose a large portion of the perimeter of the coin.
The Royal Canadian Mint has produces triangular coins, such as Milk of 2009 and the String Guitar of 2010. The new Lunar Series from the Royal Canadian Mint consists of coins that use a scalloped design resembling a lotus blossom. The Lunar Series is available in both silver and gold. The Royal Canadian Mint also has several rectangular coins depicting playing cards. The Playing Cards are minted in Sterling silver, and are available individually or in a case that holds the four cards released this year, the Jack of Hearts, the Ten of Spades, the King of Hearts, and the Queen of Spades.
The New Zealand Mint makes beautiful rectangular coins for the Feng Shui Painting Series. The most current offering is the 2009 two Troy ounce fine silver Peonies that is minted for the government of Niue.
Another shape that is becoming popular is the fan. This is popular in China.
Many other coins are being minted where a rectangular design is painted over the center of the coin. This gives the illusion of a rectangular coin. Frequently, this design is used to allow a piece of art to be properly replicated on a coin, without sacrificing any portion of the art itself.
These are but a few examples of coins that are not round.
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