There have been an increasing variety of inserts put into modern numismatics as we’re clearly in a time of experimentation for the worlds coin designers, some ridiculous and some bang on the money (no pun intended). This new coin from new producer, Art of Craft, is definitely bang on in our view. The first in what looks to be a new series called ‘History of Public Enemies’, it features that most famous of American Prohibition-era gangsters, indeed one of the most famous of all time, Al Capone.

A rectangular coin is nothing unusual, neither is colour, or following an increasing new trend, issuing under the banner of an African State. What is new is the bullet. Specifically it’s the rim of a 38-calibre bullet embedded in the reverse face, with each recycled rim being completely unique, often bearing different manufacturers stamps. Given Capone’s history, especially the famous St. Valentines Day Massacre, it’s an extremely appropriate thing to insert, up there with the Cheetah DNA coin, and the recent Samurai armour coin for being completely on topic.

Designed around a period ‘Wanted’ poster, hence the rectangular format, the coin is sympathetically coloured and well laid out. The inscriptions are a little busy, but integrate well, and we’d consider the design a big success overall. The obverse carries the usual African emblem, most of which do look good to be honest and this one is no exception. As a country run almost like a gang, the Central African Republic wasn’t an inappropriate choice either.

We’ve yet to see packaging, but let’s hope it’s as well thought out as the coin. Sure to be a big hit with our US readers in particular, the 1,038 mintage might not be around too long. It’s up for pre-order on the usual blue-button link at the end of the article, but isn’t shipping until May.

MINTS DESCRIPTION

The 1 oz. silver coin that has been minted to feature Al Capone represents the importance his place was in establishing the Mob era in the United States during the 1920’s. The specifications of the coin are as follows;

The coin itself features the famous mug shot of the gangster as a classic “Wanted” poster of the time. Along with the two photos of Al Capone is the date of his birth and death along with the famous “History of Public Enemies” logo that is part of the collection.

In addition, there is a rim from an actual recycled round that is embedded in the coin. Each rim is unique and has its own stamp on the primer. In addition, the rims have the name of the manufacturer which may be different depending on the coin. The antique finish makes this a rare, collectible gift for anyone who loves this era. Plus, the novelty of the coin itself is something to behold.

For those who are looking at collecting a coin featuring one of the most interesting and notorious figures of the day, the Al Capone 1 oz. Silver coin is certainly one to get

The history of the Prohibition Era in America cannot be written without including arguably the most notorious figure who dominated the scene, Al Capone. Born in Brooklyn, New York in 1899, Al Capone started off life rather humbly until he quit school after sixth grade and joined a local street gang. His early life of crime led to him coming to Chicago in 1920 where he joined Johnny Torrio in the infamous Colosimo Mob.

The era of Prohibition led to the wide illegal distribution of beer, liquor and distilled spirits which was making mob gangs such as Colosimo a fortune. Johnny Torrio took over the gang after the death of Big Jim Colosimo and Capone was his right hand man. Along with selling illegal spirits, the mob branched out into legitimate businesses as well to increase their income as well as influence the local government in Chicago.

Capone took over the gang in 1925 when Torrio was seriously wounded and retired from the gang. Capone’s ruthless nature and ambition quickly vaulted him to the top of the public enemies list. During that time, most of the rival gangs in Chicago were wiped out by Capone’s mob and he became the crime lord of the city.

February 14^th, 1929 was the day of the infamous St. Valentine’s Day Massacre where Capone’s gang eliminated the rest of his rivals. The FBI had been investigating Capone will little result since they couldn’t nail him with any direct charges. However, what finally did him in after years of work was being convicted of tax evasion charges that put him in jail for years and effective ended his career and he died in 1947 in many ways a shell of his former self.

Interest in Capone’s image and legacy has continued to this day from the infamous opening of Capone’s vault to various items that he owned over the years.

Recently, Al Capone’s revolver, a rather ordinary Colt .38 Police Positive double-action was recently sold at Christie’s auction for a remarkable $109,080. Although it was just a little shy of the upper estimates of what the gun would sell for, it does speak to the fascination that so many people have with Al Capone.