Skyline Dollars. Banknote-style silver coins the next big thing or a niche item?

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 later in 2017, but today it’s the turn of industry stars Coin Invest Trust to take centre stage and perhaps increase the profile of them.

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 and we’d expect some good-looking designs to appear.

CIT have launched Skyline Dollars, 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 and two more have just launched this weekend at the Singapore Coin Show. 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. We’ll see as we progress through 2017. Site sponsors Minted-UK and PowerCoin have them for pre-order, with shipping next month.