One of natures most loved marine animals, the Seal, launches Numiscollect’s Above the Surface silver coin series

Smart, playful, and extraordinarily effective in their environment, seals are part of a group called pinnipeds. This group, which includes sea-lions, and walruses, are carnivorous, fin-footed and semiaquatic. They hunt fish, crustaceans, and squid, able to do so at speed in dim water. They inhabit the colder seas of both the Northern and Southern Hemispheres, and are themselves hunted by Orca, sharks, and Polar Bears. As mammals, they need to breathe, and stick their heads out of the water to do so.

That act is what defines Numicollect’s latest coin, and it’s a terrific depiction of this charming, almost cat-like animal lifting its face clear of the water. It’s easy to see why these animals resonate with humans so much. The seal is beautifully rendered, exhibiting the highest standard of anatomical accuracy, and fine detailing everywhere, down to whiskers, and those expressive eyes. Surrounding the seal is a vortex-like representation of the water, enhanced with a covering of coloured enamel. This gives a glossy finish much like actual water, and makes the seal stand-out so much more than a standard silver finish would do. Each coin is hand finished, so unique from each other. The obverse is a simple one, continuing the antique finish.

The coin is struck in an ounce of silver, making it more affordable than the usual weights for coins employing similar levels of high-relief. It comes in a domed capsule, which makes viewing it much nicer, and in a box with a themed shipper, and a Certificate of Authenticity. The mintage is capped at 499 pieces. A fine debut for a series with huge potential. Available to pre-order now.