Top World Coins kicks off the winter release schedule with a three-coin release, and a sense of light-heartedness

Top World Coins are the first out of the starting blocks with their winter tranche of new releases, consisting of two all-new issues, one of which kicks off a new series, and a third coin that continues TWC’s excellent, and unusual, Memento Mori series. All of them come presented in TWC’s neat themed boxes, along with a certificate of authenticity, and exhibit a sense of light-hearted fun.

Of particular note is the two new coins are both a half-ounce of silver. We’re expecting to see more of this moving forward, given the spot price is climbing so high that an ounce will soon buy you your own planet. We approve of that here, given these releases are for collectors, and the art and design is more important than the metal content. Personally, I’d rather have a half-ounce proof and a one-ounce bullion coin for similar money to a one ounce proof, which would give you the best of both worlds for a given outlay. That these two half-ounce coins hit a 40 mm diameter also means you lose nothing aesthetically, with only the thickness changing. High-relief coins, like the Pilot one here, will still need the extra metal, which is fair enough. One thing the modern coin collector isn’t short of is choice. All three are available to pre-order now.

MEMENTO MORI 04 : 2026 PILOT

Following a motorcyclist, a miner, and a gangster, our skeletal buddy now heads to the skies as a pilot, seemingly having the time of his (ex) life. Dressed in the uniform of an inter-war US Army Aviation pilot, complete with goggles and a leather helmet, he pilots a biplane. There are tons of little touches spread around the high-relief coin, like the sky reflected in the goggles, and the scarf, which I presume he’s wearing to stop the wind whistling through his neck! A fine use of compressed perspective, and a humorous expression give this one a lot of charm, and keep the sense of fun up that has marked out Memento Mori so far.

The obverse is the same common one that has adorned the back of previous issues, featuring a stylised Death’s-Head Hawk-moth, like the one from the Hannibal Lector films. A great addition to series we have a big soft spot for.

LUCKY COIN 01 : 2026 MANEKI-NEKO

The concept of luck has been a popular trope in coins for years, often directly associated with money, and an important part of many Asian cultures. The Lucky, or Beckoning Cat, called the Maneki-neko, grew from Japanese tradition, but has since expanded its influence across much of East Asia. It is associated with wealth and good fortune, and wears a smile, and has a raised paw. As on the coin, it’s usually depicted surrounded by gold, and decorated with it. The Maneki-neko is also associated with happiness, but if you’re surrounded by gold, I guess anyone would be happy…

A traditional depiction on this half-ounce coin, nicely coloured, and suitably cheery. The obverse depicts a big bag of money, on which sits the Samoan national shield emblem. With the Lunar New Year imminent, the timing of this release couldn’t be better.

COINDENOMINATIONCOMPOSITIONDIAMETERFINISHMINTAGE
PILOT5 CEDIS (Ghana)31.1 g of 0.999 silver32.0 mmAntique, Colour999
LUCKY CAT$1 (Samoa)15.55 g of 0.999 silver40.0 mmProof, Colour, Gilding1,000
UNCLE SAM$1 NZD (Niue)15.55 g of 0.999 silver40.0 mmProof, Colour1,000

2026 UNCLE SAM

With 2026 marking the semiquincentennial (250th) anniversary of the United States declaration of independence from British rule, expect to see a huge range of coins appearing to mark the celebrations. There will be a wide mix of styles and metals, but we’re glad that affordability is no barrier to good design, as proven by this light-hearted take on an old trope. Uncle Sam is seen in his traditional pose, pointing at the viewer, and wearing the Stars and Stripes hat. The US flag fills the background, and he is dressed in red, white and blue. Subtle, it isn’t.

The obverse features the pyramid and the all-seeing eye that adorns US banknotes, a design we’ve seen previously on a two-ounce coin from TWC. The whole coin is very, very American, and that’s surely the point, as it is a big year for them. Hopefully, this one will find plenty of fans there.