Mans Best Friend: Horses, adds two new coins to a growing series from Niue Island
One of the many Mint of Poland coin series featuring animals from all corners of the globe, Mans Best Friends in its various incarnations stays nearer to home by showing off those creatures closest to us. With series featuring the more obvious cats and dogs having been running for a while now, the mint expanded the scope of the series a couple of years ago with the addition of a horses range.
The first two coins, as well as the two here, follow the design ethos of the earlier ranges very closely. The 17.5g silver coin with selective colour is almost a trademark format of the Mint of Poland and MBF: Horses embraces it as well. The reverse face depicts a coloured horse, in this case either an English Thoroughbred or a Friesian Horse, in front of a cleanly struck background. This mint has a better handle on applying colour than most, employing high-resolution digital printing instead of the poorer, almost newsprint-style used by some. The difference is very noticeable and the imagery on these coins is very well done. Just the name of the horse species in Polish and English is inscribed on this face. The background depicts a habitat scene and a silhouette image of the horse.
The obverse is again a typical Mint of Poland effort for Niue Island and anyone that has bought one of the myriad cheaper series from this mint will be familiar with it. As usual, the effigy of Queen Elizabeth II is the main element, around which sits all the inscribed details of the coin. Packaging is also typical Mint of Poland, a good thing as the boxes they use are attractive and of a good quality.
This series is one of those that should help bring new collectors into the field, so while not a series for the hardcore numismatic collector, it is, like other similar ranges of coins, of great importance in bringing new blood into the hobby. These would also make a fine gift for the equestrian-minded and with a mintage of just 750 pieces, a pretty exclusive one. It helps that despite the weight of 17.5 grams instead of a troy ounce, they retain the diameter of 38.6 mm. Available to buy now, they sell for around the €70 mark.
2016 FRIESIAN & 2017 THOROUGHBRED HORSE PROOF SILVER COINS
THOROUGHBRED HORSE MINTS DESCRIPTION
Our coin will delight in its splendor not only for admirers of riding! The images of magnificent Thoroughbred horses on the reverse in an extremely dynamic way reflect the beauty of these majestic animals. The use of the highest quality digital printing makes the gorge of the charcoal displayed on the coin extremely realistic. The design of the coin refers to the agricultural landscape of England, where the breed originates.
Thoroughbred horses are characterized by a light, elegant silhouette with long limbs, a slender neck and a beautifully carved head. The height at the withers ranges from 150 to 170 centimeters. The most common are the individuals with a brown and chestnut coat. Thoroughbred horses are real volcanoes of energy. Although strong and passionate, they are animals full of grace. Their warm-blooded temperament can be a challenge for a beginner rider. However, an experienced hip hop lover holds on to energy in the animal and undoubtedly appreciates his fluid and powerful dread.
REVERSE: In the central part of the coin – images of Thoroughbred horses, (digital printing, proof surface). In the background – the agricultural landscape of England. Along the rim – the name of the coin in Polish and English: KOŃ PEŁNEJ KRWI ANGIELSKIEJ/Thoroughbred horse.
OBVERSE: In the central part of the coin – effigy of Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth II. Below it – initials of the sculptor: IRB (Ian Rank-Broadley).Below it – mint mark: m/w, hallmark: Ag 999. Along the rim – inscriptions separated by decorative dots: ELIZABETH II, NIUE ISLAND (issuer), 1 DOLLAR (face value), 2017 (year of issue).
MANS BEST FRIEND HORSES PACKAGING
FRIESIAN HORSE MINTS DESCRIPTION
Not only lovers of equestrian activities will be enchanted with the silver gleams of this commemorative coin! Vivid images of the magnificent Friesian horses dynamically reflect the sheer beauty of these gentle animals. Thanks to best-quality digital printing the image of the sable stallion depicted on the coin looks strikingly lifelike. The design of the reverse alludes to the rural landscape of the historical province of Friesland – the cradle of the Friesian horse.
Purebred Friesian horses are recognized by their raven-black coat color, powerful overall conformation, good bone structure, arched neck and well-chiseled, short-eared head. A Friesian horse has a long thick mane and a silky tail. These beautiful animals are noted for their brisk, high-stepping trot. Friesian horses are valued for their intelligence, docility and willingness to cooperate with people. Elegant and good tempered, Friesian horses are highly valued among film directors, hence their popularity in movies and television. For example, they were starred in such films as “The Mask of Zorro” and “Interview with a Vampire”.
REVERSE: In the central part of the coin – images of the Friesian horses (digital printing, proof surface). In the background – rural landscape of the historical province of Friesland (contemporarily, the Netherlands). Along the rim – name of the coin in Polish and English: KOŃ FRYZYJSKI/Friesian Horse.
OBVERSE: In the central part of the coin – effigy of Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth II. Below it – initials of the sculptor: IRB (Ian Rank-Broadley).Below it – mint mark: m/w, hallmark: Ag 999. Along the rim – inscriptions separated by decorative dots: ELIZABETH II, NIUE ISLAND (issuer), 1 DOLLAR (face value), 2016 (year of issue).
SPECIFICATION
| NAME | 2017 THOROUGHBRED HORSE | 2016 FRIESIAN HORSE |
| DENOMINATION | $1 New Zealand | $1 New Zealand |
| COMPOSITION | 0.999 silver | 0.999 silver |
| WEIGHT | 17.5 grams | 17.5 grams |
| DIAMETER | 38.61 mm | 38.61 mm |
| FINISH | Proof | Proof |
| MODIFICATIONS | Colouring | Colouring |
| MINTAGE | 750 | 750 |
| BOX / COA | Yes / Yes | Yes / Yes |
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