A series we took a shine to on its debut back in 2014, the Armageddon Mint issued, CIT produced Predator:Prey series has now wrapped up with the launch of the fourth and final coin in the series. Taking the relationship between one of America’s predatory beasts and the prey animal it’s most associated with, instead of taking the simple coloured image approach, the series uses a unique mix of tribal and asian cultural styles. The beasts in question for the last coin are the Jaguar and the Crocodile, one in which the role of the predator could fall to either animal, although more often the former. Strange to think of the crocodile as prey.

The background, perhaps the most visible common feature of each coin, is the ultra-iconic Far-Eastern yin-yang symbol. This black and white icon has permeated popular culture around the world and is instantly recognisable. The high-contrast required is perfect for the black rhodium plating selectively applied to the fine (0.999) silver body of the coin. The tribal element comes into play with the depiction of the two animals being featured. Each is built up using the hugely distinctive mix of curved and angular marks that have made the tribal style a mainstay of the tattoo world for decades. Each is arced around their side of the teardrop-shaped spaces that make up the yin-yang symbol.

Contrast is attained by black rhodium plating the animal on the unplated side of the coin and vice versa. The proof finish accentuates the effect, more so than the images suggest, with a superb interplay of light between the two finishes. These are attractive coins, different from anything else out there and sporting a well-chosen theme. Issued for the Cook Islands, they carry the ubiquitous effigy of Queen Elizabeth II on the obverse. A nice wooden box is available to hold the set, but those who don’t own any of the coins, or maybe just have a single piece, may want to check out the Artists Signature Edition. Each of these contains all four coins along with a special hologram Certificate of Authenticity. There will only be 20 sets available, spread amongst the dealers.

This is the first series we believe has completed from the Armageddon Mint and they’ve done a great job building an affordable, consistent and unique set of proof silver coins. The decision to choose the design of the fourth coin using Kickstarter was a ballsy move and one that’s paid off, we believe. The idea of involving collectors in the design process is an inspired one and seems to have worked well, potentially well enough to see happen again. Available to pre-order now, it should ship next month for just under $100. A compliment to the guys behind Armageddon for trying new things. We look forward to what comes next.

Fourth in the Predator/Prey series; This coin features the  in the Yin/Yang “Circle of Life”

This is a legal tender coin from the Cook Islands produced by CIT the maker of the very popular ‘Tiffany Art’ and Gula Gula/Ural Owl/Hedgehog/Argali series’

Mintage is limited to 2000.

Contrasting yet complementary metals, finishes and artwork in this coin flow in harmony with the yin-yang theme. The Circle-of-Life is depicted in the predator-prey relationship between the Crocodile and the Jaguar.  These coins almost come alive as the light changes with the black palladium and silver appearing to change places…truly a mastery of minting technology.  This much awaited coin release lives up to its billing as one of the best coins of the year.

(Modified mint description of second coin)

Use the coupon code PP17 at participating dealers to get 3% off for a limited time