New Zealand Mint has found significant success in recent times by producing licenced numismatic products. They especially seem to have struck gold(or silver as the case may be) with Disney branded products. I suppose I cant blame them, after all these franchises come with a built in fanbase and the coins are sure to have appeal with both coin collectors and loyal franchise specific fanboys and fangirls.
Recent examples of this include the Sherlock coins, the various Mickey Mouse and cohorts releases, Disney Princess collection, Frozen and Star Wars. Star Wars especially seems to be doing well as the New Zealand Mint has just released the first coin in what is now their fourth Star Wars themed series. Until now there has been the Classic Star Wars Gold and Silver Coin Collection, the Star Wars : The Force Awakens coins and the Star Wars : Rogue One Coin series. Add to these now the official Star Wars Ships coin collection.
Star Wars Ships 2017 Millennium Falcon 1oz Silver Coin Reverse
The first coin in this new collection is the Millennium Falcon 1oz Silver coin. As the name indicates the coin features the infamous YT-1300 Millennium Falcon. Even for those with just a passing knowledge of Star Wars, the Millennium Falcon would be a recognisable vessel. Having been owned by the likes of Lando Calrissian and Han Solo the Millennium Falcon has played a role in some of the greatest victories of the Rebel Alliance and the New Republic.
The reverse of this new coin features a colour finish blueprint design of the YT-1300 Millennium Falcon as seen from above. The words “YT-1300 MILLENNIUM FALCON” are seen to the bottom in two lines. “1 oz 999 Sine Silver” and “© & ™ Lucasfilm Ltd.” are engraved along the top right rim.
Star Wars Ships 2017 Millennium Falcon 1oz Silver Coin Obverse
The obverse depicts the Ian Rank-Broadley effigy, also known as the 4th portrait, of HM Queen Elizabeth II. The ruler, country of issue, denomination and date of issue are all engraved along the rim in a clockwise direction. The legend reads : “ELIZABETH II”, “NIUE”, “TWO DOLLARS” and “2017”.
As indicated by the reverse inscription, the coin is struck of 1 Troy oz of pure .999 Fineness silver. Measuring 40mm(1.5748 inch) in diameter, the coin carries a maximum mintage of 10 000 coins, and is struck by the New Zealand Mint as legal tender under the Authority of Niue Island.
Star Wars Ships 2017 Millennium Falcon 1oz Silver Coin Box
The coin is shipped in a black Star Wars branded, flip cover, display case and certificate of authenticity. The display case sits inside a printed black outer vanity box. The coin is available to order directly from New Zealand Mint at US$80.00 each, alternatively you can contact your trusted international coin dealer for assistance.
Star Wars Ships 2017 Millennium Falcon 1oz Silver Coin Cover
Well, an interesting addition to the New Zealand Mint's Star Wars collector's coin lineup. Personally I would have preferred a more detailed sculpted reverse depiction instead of the blueprint design that we got, but maybe that's just me. Still I am keen to see what they will do with the surely inevitable X-Wing and Death Star coins, yet to come.
