Fascinating World of Birds series of proof silver coins from Niue continues with the Goldfinch

Very similar in concept and execution to the horse themed series we looked at yesterday, The Fascinating World of Birds is another of those signature series of nature coins the Mint of Poland regularly issues for Niue Island. The latest coin depicts the Goldfinch and is the fifth in the series to be released to date. The first four coins featured the Kingfisher, Hoopoe, European Bee Eater, and Golden Oriole respectively. Like those, this new entrant is struck in 17.5 grams of fine silver and has selective digital colour on the reverse face.

This is an attractive series, not ambitious by any means, but with well chosen and laid out designs. A border keeps inscriptions away from the main artwork and comprise the series name in English and the bird name in Polish and Latin. The main design follows the style of the earlier coins in portraying a large image of a Goldfinch at rest in the foreground and a Goldfinch in flight behind. The depiction of the habitat around them is left cleanly struck and places the birds in their natural environment perfectly. The obverse is the same as previous coins, indeed the same as pretty much all of this type of coin from the Mint of Poland.

Packaging is neat, colourful and of a good quality. Shipping later this month, the coin sells for around the €70 mark and has a mintage limited to 999 pieces. Popular coins, this is well up to the standard of prior coins and sure to please collectors of them.

MINTS DESCRIPTION: The goldfinch (Carduelis carduelis) is a little extravagant and very distinctive little bird. The most conspicuous feature of the goldfinch – the bright red mask – contrasts with white and black stripes on its head. The bird has a light brown mantle and creamy white rump and underparts. The tail of the goldfinch is slightly forked. The upperwing is black with bright yellow bar. Dark flight feathers and rectrices on the tail and wings are white-tipped.

Flamboyantly-feathered goldfinch looks impressive on our silver coin! Thanks to high-end digital printing, the images of the goldfinches look extremely lifelike – juicy colors and stark contrast let us see even the tiniest details of their plumage. Specially designed presentation case forms with the coin a coherent, harmonious whole.