Just a few days ago we wrote about a new antique-finish silver coin from German coin producer MCI-Mint featuring the biggest land carnivore in world history, the Spinosaurus. We learned at the time that there was to be a proof finish version released by another, but carrying the same design. That coin has now launched and does indeed have exactly the same specification as the antique coin.
One major difference that may mean the new coin is cheaper, is the mintage of 5,000. This represents a ten-fold increase over the antique one, so collectors may be better served with the rarer MCI coin. When we see the proof coin for sale we’ll have a better idea of any price differential given the antique is out there at €100.
There’s also an interesting little oval-shaped 0.6g gold coin that has potential, but at 15 x 10 mm in size and only line-art available at the moment, we’ll reserve judgement until an actual coin turns up. At this size the quality of the strike is all important, but as Treasures of Oz and Coin Invest Trust have proven, it is possible to maintain a great level of detail in these tiny gold coins.
FIFTIETH-OUNCE GOLD
Unusually, Numiversal are also planning to release a 1/50oz oval-shaped proof gold coin. This one has completely different artwork on the reverse side, although it’s still issued for the African state of Mali. Outside of the specification and these mockup images, we don’t know any more at present, but it’s certainly an intriguing little coin.
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SPECIFICATION
| DENOMINATION | COMPOSITION | WEIGHT | DIAMETER | FINISH | MINTAGE | BOX / COA |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1,000 FRANCS CFA | 0.999 SILVER | 31.10 g | 38.61 mm | PROOF | 5,000 | T.B.C. |
| 100 FRANCS CFA | 0.999 GOLD | 0.622 g | 15 x 10 mm | PROOF | 5,000 | T.B.C. |
So where I can purchase this dinosaur silver and gold coins?
Does anyone know if there is a problem at MCI mint? Their online retail shop has closed down; http://www.euromuenzhandel.com/ Just a bit concerned as they make my favorite coins and now a MCI design coin from another mint?
They were just updating. I’ve had new coin info this week and they have some great plans going forward. The Spinosaurus is an experiment I believe, but with the MCI antique version being ten times rarer, they’re still the collectors choice.
[…] both featuring the Spinosaurus, come from Mali. One coin is silver with 1000 Francs denomination and one is gold with 100 Francs denomination. Seems backwards right? The gold coin is yet another unique oval-shaped coin. They are both 2015 […]