Art Mint debuts a beautiful new Four Seasons series of proof silver coins with ‘Spring’

Parisian coin producer Art Mint has debuted the first in a new four-coin series celebrating the four seasons. A coin producer with a great track record of high-quality issues in the silver commemorative coin market, Art Mint have previously released such fine coins as the Mandala series, the Cat, and Oedipus and Sphinx, amongst others. They don’t compete in the lower end market much, choosing to maximise quality and minimise mintage, something there’s a place for in any market.

This new range is again realised by artist Miroslav Hric, responsible for the beautiful Chinese Mandala coin and also for the new Celestial Bodies series (we’ll cover soon, just waiting for new coin images). He seems to be a good fit for Art Mints cool ideas and we think that’s definitely the case here with this new two-ounce fine silver coin range.

The series kicks off with ‘Spring’ and the design is centred around a symbolic sun, represented by a citrine crystal sitting in a relief pattern of radiating lines (starburst). Around this is a beautifully done composition of flora and fauna, all carefully chosen to evoke this popular season. Apart from a tiny and unobtrusive  ‘mh’ (the artists initials), this face is mercifully free of inscriptions and all the better for it. The proof high-relief strike is said to be the first use of a new technique with a similar end result to the groundbreaking smartminting.

Issued for Niue Island, the obverse carries an effigy of Queen Elizabeth II, in this case the ubiquitous Ian Rank Broadley version. Surrounding the Queen are inscriptions detailing the issuer, date, denomination and composition. The coin serial number is etched into the edge. A certificate of authenticity is included in a good quality coin box, so no complaints on the presentation front. Art Mint’s track record of quality means we have little concerns that the finished coin won’t be as excellent in the hand as these images show and we look forward to seeing Autumn and Winter in final form. We’ve got an exclusive look at the next coin called Summer you can see in rendered form below. The crystal colour may change, but as you can see, it’s another gem. The coin will sell for around €300 and is available to order now. Site sponsor PowerCoin have them up.

2017 ‘THE FOUR SEASONS: SPRING’ PROOF SILVER COIN

In an exclusive first look we’ve recieved an image of the second of the four coins that make up this series. Called ‘Summer’, it continues the look at a microcosm of nature and the events that happen at this eagerly awaited time of the year. This one looks to be full of life, packed with birds and insects as well as flora. The same starburst motif with its central crystal is also present.

We’ve been lucky enough to see concept artwork for the final pair of coins and can say without hesitation that fans of these debut coins will be more than happy with them, the four coins complementing each other perfectly. A credit to Art Mint and MiroslavHric.

2017 ‘THE FOUR SEASONS’ SERIES OBVERSE AND BOX

MINTS DESCRIPTION

Spring is one of the four conventional temperate seasons, following winter and preceding summer. There are various technical definitions of spring, but local usage of the term varies according to local climate, cultures and customs. When it is spring in the Northern Hemisphere, it will be autumn in the Southern Hemisphere and vice versa. At the spring equinox, days are approximately 12 hours long with day length increasing as the season progresses.

Spring and “springtime” refer to the season, and also to ideas of rebirth, rejuvenation, renewal, resurrection and regrowth. Subtropical and tropical areas have climates better described in terms of other seasons, e.g. dry or wet, monsoonal or cyclonic. Often, cultures have locally defined names for seasons which have little equivalence to the terms originating in Europe.

The pure Silver 2oz coins are strictly limited to only 500 pieces worldwide and minted in special medalic High Relief technique with serial number on the edge. Furthermore, they impress with their various engraved details and the sophisticated handmade design. A masterpiece of numismatic art!

SPECIFICATION

NAME 2017 FOUR SEASONS
DENOMINATION $5 New Zealand
COMPOSITION 0.999 silver
WEIGHT 62.2 grams
DIAMETER 50.00 mm
FINISH Proof
MODIFICATIONS Citrine insert, High relief, Serial no. on edge
MINTAGE 500
BOX / COA Yes / Yes