German producer Allcollect has debuted a striking new square silver coin incorporating some unusual, contrasting gilded finishes to create a high-contrast look. The coin has been designed by Rui Vega, using artificial intelligence, usually a red flag for us, but there’s no question this is a striking, symbolic representation of that most magnificent of the big cats.

The most striking aspect is the high contrast finish, created using what Allcollect are calling ‘Black Gold’ for the background, with the relief areas picked out in a standard yellow-gold plating. Whatever its origins, it’s an attractive coin. It’s issued for the African nation, Benin, and their national emblem, infused with wildlife, sits on the obverse, which is fully finished in black gold.

This one-ounce fine silver coin will be supplied boxed, and with a certificate of authenticity. Just 750 of these will be minted, and the coin is available to pre-order now from dealers globally. Check out our Where to Buy page for some of them.