2017-2019 SKYLINE DOLLARS by CIT Coin Invest
When is a coin not a coin? It’s a question we often see opinions on as minting technology has allowed ever more ambitious designs to appear for sale. There are the hardcore collectors who believe that a coin should be round and cleanly struck. In our opinion that’s too narrow a definition given that throughout history coins have often been different shapes. In addition, all things evolve, so why shouldn’t numismatics?
That doesn’t mean the design of coins should be unrestrained, but each collector will have their own view on where the point comes that a coin stops being collectable for them. There’s a relatively new format that looks like it will be getting some attention this year and that’s the note-coin. Looking like a banknote in size and style, these are struck in silver and usually coloured on at least one face. German dealer MDM debuted a couple of series last year, one with a US theme and one Chinese, although neither carried a denomination, so not strictly coins. We know of at least two other producers looking to launch in this format, but it’s industry stars Coin Invest Trust that are kicking off with Skyline Dollars.
Weighing in at just five grams, about a sixth of an ounce, they measure an expansive 150 x 70 mm. Because a little metal is being spread a long way, they’re barely 0.045 mm thick, the lack of any kind of relief is a given. Designs then rely on fine etching and the application of colour, we guess potentially gilding or plating as well. As such, there are few constraints on the artwork.
CIT launched Skyline Dollars in early 2017, essentially a range of note-coins issued for the Cook Islands and depicting the skylines of some of the world’s most iconic cities. Five debuted in Berlin at the World Money Fair, two more at the Singapore Coin Show and a single one at the Tokyo International Coin Convention. Colour on one side, the look is completely that of a banknote, but in silver. Each comes with a certificate and is laminated for protection. Will they be a success or just a passing fad? There’s a good potential to bring banknote collectors into mainstream coin collecting certainly. Site sponsors Minted-UK and PowerCoin are selling them.
2017 SKYLINE DOLLARS I
2017 SKYLINE DOLLARS II
2017 SKYLINE DOLLARS III
2018 SKYLINE DOLLARS IV
2019 SKYLINE DOLLARS V
2018 SKYLINE DOLLARS IV
MINTS DESCRIPTION
Collectors around the world appreciate CIT for its innovative coins and approaches that drive technological advances. Unique and unusual coin issues are expected from CIT at the major coin shows.
Yet every so often, even those that expect the unexpected are astonished by what comes next. In this particular case, CIT is proud to present the first legal tender silver notes – the Skyline Dollars. Each note is minted from 5 grams of fine silver and measures 150×70 mm.
The Skyline Dollars are issued by the Cook Islands and feature prominent cities from around the world in their first five installments. The incredibly thin and fl exible silver sheets and authentic guilloche patterns create an exceptional numismatic collectible. In fact, the notes merely measure mind-boggling 0.045 mm in thickness – less than half the thickness of an average sheet of paper. Silver Dollars ship individually laminated and incorporate a certificate of authenticity.
SPECIFICATION
| NAME | 2017 SKYLINE DOLLARS |
| DENOMINATION | $1 Cook Islands |
| COMPOSITION | 0.999 silver |
| WEIGHT | 5.0 grams |
| DIAMETER | 150 x 70 mm |
| FINISH | Prooflike |
| MODIFICATIONS | Colour |
| MINTAGE | 5,000 each |
| BOX / COA | No / Yes |
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