The Mint of MK continues to expand its broad range of low mintage coins, and in an effort to keep up, we’ve another round-up of four of the latest ones that caught our eye the most We haven’t looked at the latest Zodiac issues as we’re producing a Coin Series Profile to that set at the moment, and we have something similar, although more in summary form, for the many silver foils that they’ve issued in conjunction with eDonnaDesign.

This time we have one of their glow-in-the-dark designs, a follow-up to that beautiful Freyja coin released in March, a really terrific Bone Demon, and for something completely different, a look at the Flat Earth Theory. Again, Mint of MK have stuck with their favourite format, that of two-ounces of 0.999 silver, with a 50 mm diameter, and an antique finish. They’re all packaged in those excellent solid acrylic block frame/box, are issued for Cameroon or Gabon, and each have a mintage of 199 pieces. We’re always impressed at the range of subjects and styles of their issues, particularly given the similar formats.

One of many designs themed around dark legends, the first of the four we’re looking at is simply called ‘The Witch’. It joins quite a line-up, such as Behemoth, the Headless Horseman, Scarecrow, Krampus, and the Queen of Voodoo. Like some of those, the witch coin uses UV colour to give a glow-in-the-dark effect, in this case, a particularly impressive implementation applied on both faces.

The main reverse face is undoubtedly the star here, with a gorgeous portrait of a witch, not the covered in warts with a big nose sort, but a beautiful and mysterious woman, with hair flowing out from under a wide-brimmed hat, adorned with an ancient symbol. When glowing, it looks absolutely sublime, and it’s one of our favourite uses of UV colour on a coin to date. The raised border almost makes it look like you’re staring into a magical bowl.

The obverse has UV magical flames. It looks good, but it’s clear the witch herself is the star of the show. Like all the coins here, it’s well presented (the solid acrylic frames are top-notch, in our view), comes with a Certificate of Authenticity, and a mintage of just 199 pieces. A fine release.

Now, this one is quite different in theme, and showcases the Flat Earth Theory. For those unaware, there are still a group of conspiracy theorists that believe our planet is a flat disc, and not a sphere. You know, the kind of people that make Forrest Gump look like Stephen Hawking. We’re sure some people do it for a laugh, but if you truly believe this is factual, get help.

The coin reverse has a neat realisation of the theory, choosing to eschew the ridiculous ‘edge waterfalls’, for a raised Antarctic ice plateau around the edge. The oceans and continents inside it are coloured. It’s all very clean and effective, devoid of inscriptions, and neatly encapsulating the theory.

The obverse is our favourite, however, with shades of CIT’s mountains series of coins. A terrific mountain adorns this face, surrounded by the inscribed issue details. A first-class face in its own right, this one bucks the trend of the others in being issued for Gabon, and rocking a 999 mintage. I really like this one for its quirky subject.

Our third pick is one I was sure wouldn’t appear here given the subject, which I’m quite unaware of, but that changed after looking at it. MK says the legend of the Bone Demon is that of a spectral skeletal figure embodying the fears and nightmares of the dreaming, and it certainly seems to get that image across.

We were pleasantly surprised by this one. The depiction of the Bone Demon is quite superb, managing to be eerie, and tragic at the same time. The use of detailed high-relief is especially impressive, and the pose, complete with a nod to Macbeth, works well. The obverse, with its female personification, is equally detailed. As I said, a real surprise, and extremely impressive.

Following up a gorgeous Freyja coin, the Mint of MK continues its look at the Norse pantheon with Frigg, the Queen of Asgard, wife of Odin, and mother of Baldur, Hodor, and Hermod. The goddess of marriage and motherhood, she dwells in her own land, Fensalir, meaning ‘Hall of the Marshlands’. She gave her name to our Friday, literally ‘Friggs Day’.

The design is close in execution to Freyja, with a mix of antique finishing and gilded highlights over both faces. The reverse face pictures a serene Frigg in a natural setting, representing fertility, surrounded by gilded, almost autumnal leaves. A pretty scene, with a good sense of depth and perspective.

The obverse apes Freyja in having a close portrait of the goddess, although this time in profile. Again, it’s an attractive image, but that stunning close-up of Freyja still reigns supreme for us. Norse gods and goddesses are well covered in modern numismatics, but even so, these stand out for their elegance.