New Zealand Mint have now released the sixth coin in their Warriors of History silver coin collection. For the first time the series turns it's gaze towards the Americas with this, the Apaches Coin.
The Warriors of History series is a numismatic depiction of the oral histories of legendary warrior people, who fought and conquered their enemies through the skilful use of weapons and their superior battle tactics.
2017 Apache Warriors of History Silver Coin Reverse
The Apache were fierce and renowned warriors in the American old west. They fought against foreign intruders into their lands including the Spanish, Mexicans and were a constant thorn in the side of the United States Army. They become renowned for not only their ferocity in battle but also their superior use of strategy to outwit their enemies. The legendary war chief Geronimo was a member of the Apache nation. The Apache nation is split amongst several smaller groups including the Western Apache, Chiricahua, Mescalero, Jicarilla, Lipan, and Plains Apache(also known as the Kiowa-Apache).
The reverse of this coin depicts an Apache Brave(warrior) in the process of drawing back his bow. A with the rest of the series, the only part of the coin to receive a colour finish is the figure of the solo warrior to the right. The background is occupied by the sculpted image of three mounted riders charging into battle, with a cluster of teepees dotting what appears to be the Arizona plains behind them. The word “APACHES” is inscribed to the top left along with “1oz 999 FINE SILVER” in very small text to the top right along the rim.
2017 Warriors of History Silver Coin Obverse
The obverse bears the Ian Rank-Broadley effigy of HM Queen Elizabeth II at it's centre surrounded with the legend describing the ruler, country of issue, denomination and date of issue. Moving in a clockwise direction it reads : “ELIZABETH II”, “NIUE”, “TWO DOLLARS” and “2017”.
2017 Apache Warriors of History Silver Coin Art
Apart from the colourized Apache brave on the reverse, the coin is treated with an antique finish. As indicated on the reverse the coin is struck of .999 Fineness silver. The 1oz coin measures 40mm(1.5 inch) and has a limited mintage of 5000 coins.
The coin is selling for $85.00 each and is shipped in one of New Zealand Mint's textured book shaped display cases. A printed and numbered certificate of authenticity accompanies the coin in it's packaging. The Warriors of History – Apache silver coin can be ordered directly from New Zealand Mint's website, alternatively your trusted international coin dealer will be able to assist.
2017 Apache Warriors of History Silver Coin in Box
Now I've been critical of this series before, but that doesn't mean that I don't like it. I still really like the Samurai coin, and as the collection fills out I find it easier to forgive it's minor shortcomings. The Apache coin came as a pleasant surprise and is capable both of standing on it's own and of complementing the coins that came before it. Previous issues in this collection have been the Spartans, Samurai, Romans, Vikings and Knights Templar.
