An icon of the firearms world, the Mauser C96, comes to numismatics with a shaped, gilded silver coin
The Mauser C96, also known as the “Broomhandle Mauser,” is a highly distinctive semi-automatic pistol that gained iconic status in the early 20th century. Designed by Paul Mauser and introduced in 1896, it featured a unique broomhandle-shaped grip, which earned it its nickname. The C96 was chambered in various calibres, including 7.63 mm Mauser, and had a detachable box magazine. Its reliable mechanism and powerful cartridge made it popular among military and civilian users alike. Notably, it became synonymous with a variety of historical figures and conflicts, including the Chinese Warlords, the Boxer Rebellion, and even made appearances in Hollywood films, and now coins.
Chinese producer, World Coin Appreciation, has released some fascinating numismatics over the last few years, with some quite unusual shaped coins among them. Their latest is no different and features that aforementioned Mauser pistol, not just as a depiction, but in form as well. It’s an ornate version of the Mauser, for sure, but the pistol, nevertheless, in all its base detail.
It’s struck in two ounces of fine silver and then fully gilded. The shape seems to be a pretty spot-on reproduction, in miniature, of one of the most iconic shapes in firearms. Really speaking, we can’t see anything to criticise here, it is exactly what it claims to be. This type of coin isn’t for everyone, of course, but it’s highly unusual, in a popular genre, and worthy of attention. Variety is the spice of life, as they say.
The packaging looks neat enough (you can see glimpses of it in the video), and there will be a certificate of authenticity. The mintage is capped at just 333 pieces. It should be available to order now.
| SPECIFICATION | |
| DENOMINATION | 10,000 Francs CFA (Chad) |
| COMPOSITION | 0.999 silver |
| WEIGHT | 62.2 grams |
| DIMENSIONS | 85.0 x 44.0 mm |
| FINISH | Proof |
| MODIFICATIONS | Shaped |
| MINTAGE | 333 |
| BOX / C.O.A. | Yes / Yes |
After seeing the stock images of this Mauser coin, I decided to purchase a couple of them. This scaled down replica has well defined details and the full gilding adds much to its eye appeal. One of the pieces has a couple of minor production flaws but are so insignificant that it didn’t warrant a return to the dealer. With that said, I am not totally pleased with the purchase of these Mauser coins
I was a bit surprised that with the the proprietor touting a limited production of only 333 pieces to find no serial # provided, on this piece.
It would have been nice id they would have added some added security and a higher collectability to them with the use of serialization. I’ve been a long time advocate of production #s being added to collectable coins, and have been shouting this out for more than 15 years now.
I’m glad to see over that time period that many consignors and production mints have gone that route with their proprietary issues. Some go with both a matching serial # on the coin and the also the certificate, and some just the certificate which is better than no verification #.
I feel that this should be a standard practice for the “mid to high end” collectable coin market, not the exception!
But not in the case of this producer. I’m not suggesting that WCA will produce more than their stated mintage,………..but I’m also not naive, and can still harbor a concern of that indeed happening as well.
It’s also a bit funny that every manufactured firearm carries a serial number, but not this small replica.
Yep, that’s all fair enough. It takes little effort, and modern numismatics aren’t cheap.
Agree totally w/Bob’s comments, especially w/a low montage.
In my opinion all collectable coins should come with engraved serial numbers and NFT certificates. This already exists elsewhere in the art world and eliminates much doubt about authenticity as the NFT certificate is unique and traded together with the physical object.
Agree again with Henrik’s comments. The uniqueness of a coin is enhanced by an engraved serial number. Plus, it’s cool to look for it & see it there!