This year has seen a number of commemorative coins that celebrate the 50th anniversary of Star Trek: The Original Series. Most of these have found the approval of both collectors and fans alike. The latest coin comes to us now from the Perth Mint, and is the first legal tender silver delta shaped coin.
Now you may recall that earlier in 2016 the Royal Canadian Mint released the world's fist delta shaped coin, however that coin was a $200 pure gold coin and this one is minted from pure silver. The delta insignia, or comms badge, is surely the most iconic and recognizable symbol of the Star Trek franchise.
Tuvalu 2016 1oz Silver Delta Shaped Coin Reverse
The Delta Shield was originally used as an identifying insignia for starships, and placed on the left breast of uniforms of Starfleet personnel. The specific insignia could identify the Star Fleet branch that the wearer belonged to. A star with an elongated top point, for instance, would indicate a command post. In The Original Series it was a simple patch, but in later incarnations it became Starfleet's first combadge.
The badge was used not only as a communication device but could serve as an emergency distress beacon in times peril. The Transporter Chief could use the signal from a combadge to 'lock on' to the wearer's signal and beam them back to safety.
Tuvalu 2016 1oz Silver Delta Shaped Coin Obverse
The overall design of the coin is simplistic, in all the right ways, and highly effective. The delta shape of the coin draws the main focus while the 50th anniversary Star Trek logo is displayed on the reverse. The large “50” is treated with a reverse proof finish with the five pointed command star is superimposed over it. The only other text on the reverse side is small lettering that appears along the bottom rim and reads : “TM & © 2016 CBS. ARR.”.
The obverse has the right facing Ian Rank-Broadley effigy of HM Queen Elizabeth II. The legend encircles the Queen's portrait and reads : “QUEEN ELIZABETH II”, “1OZ 999 SILVER”, “2016”, “TUVALU” and “1 DOLLAR”.
Tuvalu 2016 1oz Silver Delta Shaped Coin in Box
The coin is struck from 1oz(31.135 gram) of pure silver(.999 Fineness) and measures 60.5mm(2.3818 inch) x 39mm(1.5354 inch). The coin is minted by the Perth Mint on behalf of Tuvalu and is denominated as 1 Tuvalu Dollar. The mint has issued a maximum mintage of 5000 coins for the 1oz silver Star Trek delta coin.
The coin is issued in an acrylic display case and comes with a numbered certificate of authenticity. At a price tag of AUS$104.55 or roughly US$80.00 I'm certain that the coin will be a sure hit. Especially that if you take into account that the Canadian gold coin costs nearly CAD$1300.00 or around US$1000.00. So if you are in the market for a delta shaped coin, the choice is an easy one, $80.00 vs $1000.00.
Tuvalu 2016 1oz Silver Delta Shaped Coin Vanity Cover
Overall I have to admit that I like the cut-down, cleaner design of the silver coin, along with the clear display case it is sure to be a great conversation piece or a unique addition to any collection.
