World Exclusive: CIT’s hit dimensional skull series is back with a cool looking Day of the Dead themed issue
It’s ANA time again and while the flow of new issues isn’t as intense as that emanating from the Berlin World Money Fair, it’s easily a close second. One of the perennial favourites at this show is CIT Coin Invest and their new issues are eagerly awaited. For the first time ever, we’ve been allowed to talk about the new ANA coins ahead of time and the first one we’re looking at is the third in the impressive Skull series of dimensional coins.
Launching back in 2016, the original Skull No.1 was a big hit and an impressive demonstration of CIT and BH Mayers ‘Smartminting’ technology. The combination of incredible relief and detail while maintaining the highest quality has helped cement the technology as the industry buzzword and it’s gone on to enhance some quite fantastic numismatic designs. Last year saw a larger version called Big Skull, as well as a pirate-themed addition of regular size.
The skull has had significant influence on the art and practices of many cultures, but while that has waned in many places it’s as popular as ever in Mexico with Día de Muertos – literally the day of the dead. The most primal and recognisable symbol of the event is the decorated skull. CIT have taken the original Skull No.1 concept and applied that style of decoration to produce a great tribute piece for an event that has spread its influence far outside the borders of Mexico. That this piece can contain as much detail and relief in just an ounce of silver is quite extraordinary.
Antique-finished and with a mintage of 1,750 pieces, the coin will be presented in a themed tin and with a certificate of authenticity. As you would expect coming from the coin producer that has doone more than any other to popularise the format, there will be a 0.5 g fine gold issue to sit alongside the flagship silver design. With so little metal to work with it’s obviously not a replica of its big brother, but a well detailed piece for the collector regardless. Both will be available for order shortly and will ship around September. An eclectic and quite unique series.
MINTS DESCRIPTION
The Día de Muertos – Day of the Dead – is a Mexican holiday that is becoming increasingly popular throughout the world. Celebrated at the end of October the iconic skull or calavera makeup based on the famous La Catrina skeleton adorns many faces and is nowadays prominently featured in pop culture and art.
CIT’s sensational skull series is the perfect way to extend the popularity of La Catrina to the numismatic world. La Catrina Skull is already the third and clearly most elaborate of CIT’s smartminting skull-shaped coins. Minted to the same standard as the revered Skull No1 but adorned with fine detail and typical calavara designs, La Catrina Skull represents the most captivating silver skull in the collection.
Customarily, a small gold coin with similar ornaments is issued alongside the silver coin.
| SPECIFICATION | ||
| DENOMINATION | $5 (Palau) | $1 (Palau) |
| COMPOSITION | 0.999 silver | 0.9999 gold |
| WEIGHT | 31.1 grams | 0.5 grams |
| DIMENSIONS | 25.5 x 38.3 mm | 13.92 mm |
| FINISH | Antique | Silk |
| MODIFICATIONS | Dimensional, smartminting | None |
| MINTAGE | 1,750 | 15,000 |
| BOX / COA | Yes / Yes | No / Yes |
A much better skull than last years pirate theme, half expected it to be a mummy wrapped in bandages but this proper smart. Also excited to see what CIT release for the Magnificent Life and Evolution of Life coins, the evolution of life needs a release as good as the peacock to generate some prestige to the series.
Completely agree. I think they’ve done a great job this year. I actually agree on the Magnificent Life series as well. I found last years to be weaker than the peacock, but it will be interesting to see what they have planned for 2018. Evolution of Life is a favourite of mine. A gorgeous set and the 2018 coin sounds very intriguing. Keep a lookout.