Easily one of the best fine art coin ranges ever made, Precious Metal Collector’s multi-metal range offers an impressively sized numismatic showcase of some of the great masterpieces. Over the last couple of years, the focus has broadened to include lesser known pieces, with works by artists rarely seen on coins.

However, the latest issue is back with a series regular, Vincent van Gogh, although not one of his usual works. The Courtesan, painted in 1887, was inspired by the presence of Japanese prints he saw in Parisian shops when he lived in Montmartre. He based it on a work by the Japanese artist, Keisai Eisen, which depicted an elaborately dressed courtesan. This was no slavish copy, and Van Gogh used his iconic style to reproduce the original, and then surrounded it with a gorgeous border, filled with bamboo, and the pond life he loved so much.

The coin does full justice to the work, expertly using high-relief to frame and realise, the courtesan. This is aided by the Tri-metal minting process employed by PMC, which uses of a 750 gram zinc core, under 120 grams
of copper, all of which is topped by 2.5oz of fine silver. The colouring looks rich, and in the artist’s style. While I’m no particular proponent of fine art, I’m familiar with Van Gogh’s classics, and didn’t know about this stunning, unusual piece. An outstanding choice for the range.

The original art by Eisen is reproduced, in full colour, on the obverse, which is a great addition, providing context. These coins are very well presented in a themed box with a certificate of authenticity, and the mintage is capped at 399. It’s available to order now. Check out the full range, almost 60 of them, in our full Coin Series Profile.