Coming in just a little too late for us to cover before the holiday, T&S Coin surprised us with a new format for them, and what looks to be a very impressive strike. This producer has almost exclusively concentrated on the extremely popular two-ounce size for its issues, but just sneaking into 2025 was a five-ounce coin packing some serious high relief.

Probably the most popular, and loved, deities in the Hindu, Jain, and Buddhist pantheons, the elephant-headed Ganesha is a common sight around the world, not just in the Indian subcontinent. He’s known as the remover of obstacles, and the god of beginnings, wisdom, and good fortune. A big belly (to digest all experiences), four arms (holding items like an axe (to cut attachments), a noose (to guide), sweets (rewards), and a blessing gesture), and extensive decoration, mark out Ganesha as a special figure in those religions.

The depiction on the coin is outstanding, packing in all the distinctive features of this highly unusual god. The five-ounce coin packs in an impressive 8 mm of high-relief, and is extravagantly detailed, and gilded. The mouse (his Vahana), is a nice touch. Detail abounds on the background as well, and the dark antique finish contrasts superbly with the gilding. A very impressive coin.

Alongside that coin is a two-ounce variant, that shares the same design, but has a very different finish. Here, it appears the antiquing is lighter, but the biggest change is the eschewing of gilding, replaced with a vibrant colouring. This version will be considerably cheaper, of course, but I’d argue you’re losing nothing, as the colour and selective gilding suits the subject so well. I can see some collectors picking up both of them, assuming deep pockets in these times of record silver prices.

Both coins come boxed with a COA, and both have small mintages, particularly the 5oz coin, which barely breaks 100 pieces, and has already sold out at the mint. A fine homage to one of the most loved deities in world mythology.