After the debut recently of Coin Invest Trust’s (CIT) new Skull No1 coin, it became clear that SmartMinting is no gimmick. Clearly able to provide hitherto unobtainable levels of detailed relief on a struck item, we naturally assumed it would be some time before another such example appeared from Liechtenstein. In fact, just a couple of weeks later we see further evidence of the potential of this groundbreaking minting technique.

Most coin collectors have heard of CIT through their impressive catalogue of coins. Fewer know that they’re also a very prolific coin producer, being responsible for many of the finest designs out there, coins released under another banner as commissioned pieces. They will literally take your idea and develop it into the finished article. Powercoin, a very well Rome based coin dealer owned by Antonello Galletta, have debuted some beautiful coins in partnership with CIT over the last few years. The most recent example was the impressive Hand of Fatima coin, another one showing a very high level of relief. Others have included the superb nanochip-adorned Ceilings of Heaven coins.

2016 GUIDO FAWKES SILVER COIN

This new one is something different, although there are clearly shades of the techniques used to create Skull No1 on display here. While the coin carries the signature of Guido Fawkes (an actual copy of his real one), it’s focused more on the modern cultural impact of his image, rather than the historical figure. Fawkes’ face became a cultural icon with the movie V for Vendetta, based on a superb 1982 Alan Moore penned and David Lloyd illustrated graphic novel set in an alternative, fascist Britain (a highly recommended read). Taken up as a symbol by the hacktivist group Anonymous, it has entered popular culture as a potent symbol of resistance to the percieved wrongs perpetrated by the elite.

The design is clearly grounded in the modern interpretation of Fawkes image. The zipped hoodie and what look likes the United Nations emblem behind are proof of that. We love the design here with the porcelain effct giving the mask added emphasis. Ultra modern, very clean and free of distraction, and most importantly, strong of message. The relief and general quality are almost beyond question given CIT produce it and the talented BH Mayer Mint in Germany actually strikes it. The coin is said to come in exquisite packaging, but we’ve yet to see images of it. No doubt they’ll come nearer the availability date at the end of October. The obverse is the standard Queens effigy as you’d expect with a Cook Islands issued piece.

Mintage is limited to 999 pieces and the recommended price is €119.00. It’s available to order now from Powercoin, and no doubt from others shortly.

Wintour introduced Fawkes to Robert Catesby, who planned to assassinate King James I and restore a Catholic monarch to the throne. The plotters leased an undercroft beneath the House of Lords, and Fawkes was placed in charge of the gunpowder they stockpiled there. Prompted by the receipt of an anonymous letter, the authorities searched Westminster Palace during the early hours of 5 November, and found Fawkes guarding the explosives.

Over the next few days, he was questioned and tortured, and eventually he confessed. Immediately before his execution on 31 January, Fawkes fell from the scaffold where he was to be hanged and broke his neck, thus avoiding the agony of the mutilation that followed. Fawkes became synonymous with the Gunpowder Plot, the failure of which has been commemorated in Britain since 5 November 1605. His effigy is traditionally burned on a bonfire, commonly accompanied by a fireworks display.