A steampunk eagle, the Parthenon, and the Tooth Fairy, are amongst an eclectic mix of silver coins from Silver Pours

Unbeknown to us, we’ve actually covered a few of Silver Pours releases over the last few months, but mistakenly had them down as Mint of MK (they do have a strong relationship). Now we’ve cleared that up, and got our hands on more information, we’re taking the opportunity to showcase three more of their very eclectic selection of coins issued for Cameroon, all very different from each other with regard to the theme.

There are some consistent features throughout, however. All of these are shaped coins, packed with high relief over both faces, and each is available in either an antiqued, or a gilded finish. The presentation of all of them is first class, employing a type of frame/capsule, with a themed insert. On the strength of these early images (check out the Steampunk Eagle image below), we’re impressed.

All three of these are bang on target for collectors of different themes. The Parthenon is an excellent mix of real historical architecture, and ancient mythology, and the eagle is perfect for steampunk fans, which is always a popular genre. The Tooth Fairy is a neat item. What better thing to put under your kids pillow in place of that lost tooth? Anyway, enjoy these, and we’ll take a further look at a few more in a week or two.

MONUMENTS OF CIVILISATION: 2025 THE PARTHENON

The Parthenon we understand is the first in a series dedicated to some of the architectural highlights of human civilisation, and their meaning to the cultures that erected them. There aren’t many better places to start than this beautiful building erected in the 5th century BCE in Athens, which helped usher in the early attempts at democracy. Built on the Acropolis where it dominated the surrounding city, it was dedicated to the goddess Athena.

Her father, Zeus, was the head of the Greek pantheon, and it’s his imposing figure that adorns the obverse of the coin. He’s depicted in a classic robe, thunderbolt in hand, amid rubble, and clearly itching for a punch-up. It’s a powerful image, quite in keeping with the character, who has little of the nobility often ascribed to him.

The reverse face is an outstanding depiction of the front facade of the Parthenon, showing some considerable damage. It has had quite the tough life, not helped by the Ottomans using it to store explosives in (you can guess what happened next…), and we like that they’ve chosen this view of it, as it’s one most people will know. Lots of nice detail all over it. I have to say, the antiqued version is way better, in my view, but your taste may vary, of course. A fine debut for a series we’ll be watching very closely.

DENOMINATION COMPOSITION DIAMETER FINISH MINTAGE
2,000 Francs CFA (Cameroon) 62.2 g of 0.999 silver 47.0 x 30.0 mm Antiqued or Gilded 299

STEAMPUNK ALLEGIANCE: 2025 STEAMPUNK EAGLE

The second coin we have here is just stunning. A fully mechanised, steampunk-style eagle, with its wings and talons placed as if about to grasp prey, it is absolutely packed with beautiful touches. You could almost imagine it would work, it’s so cleverly designed. A very dynamic coin, you won’t be surprised to learn that it has already sold out at the mint, so the dealers obviously know a good thing when they see it.

As a fully dimensional coin, it has equal amounts of detail on the obverse, and the issue details have been well integrated without ruining the look. Again, you won’t be surprised to learn the antique finished coin is my pick, and there’s an extra shout-out to some superb insert art in the capsule-frame.

DENOMINATION COMPOSITION DIAMETER FINISH MINTAGE
2,000 Francs CFA (Cameroon) 62.2 g of 0.999 silver 40.0 x 72.0 mm Antiqued or Gilded 199 (+99 gilded)

FAIRY KINGDOMS: 2025 TOOTH FAIRY

Our last look today, is more of a novelty pick, but one that is so well done for the subject, that we just had to shine a light on it. Called ‘Tooth Fairy’, it’s shaped like a tooth, complete with the root, just as you’d expect it to look when placed under a pillow. The obverse is all tooth, embellished with some glow-in-the-dark colour, but it’s the reverse side that’s the star of the show.

The top half of the tooth is given over to the Tooth Fairy herself, surrounded by a pile of coins, and sleeping peacefully. It’s just such a nice encapsulation of the myth, and quite beautifully done, that it’s hard not to like it. There’s more UV colour on this face, so if your kid is lucky enough to get one under their pillow, it will glow for them. As before, the antique finish is my favourite, but there’s a fully gilded one for the budding baby rapper in your life…

DENOMINATION COMPOSITION DIAMETER FINISH MINTAGE
2,000 Francs CFA (Cameroon) 62.2 g of 0.999 silver 27.0 x 49.0 mm Antiqued or Gilded 199