I’m always surprised that the music world isn’t more common a theme in the modern numismatic world. There are some, of course, but I guess the endless barriers put up in the licensing world mean it just isn’t worth the trouble. However, music isn’t just about the artists, it’s mainly about the culture, and nobody owns that. TWC’s latest series, called Vinyl Groove, is the perfect example of highlighting the cultural impact of music genres, rather than specific performers.

It helps that a standard coin is the same shape as a vinyl record, and they’ve taken full advantage of that by hinting at grooves on both faces, and having the central ‘label’ area on the obverse double up as space for the inscriptions. The reverse face, with its use of colour, kicks off the series with one of the greatest music genre’s of them all, Rock ‘n’ Roll. It’s a classic image, bringing to life the vibrant music scene of the 1950s and 60s, and the soundwave behind is a nice touch.

This series has a lot of potential, with music styles like jazz, pop and more, and with it being a far more affordable half-ounce in weight, I can see this one selling out and topping the charts!

Creatures of Nocturne, a series that showcases the darker and more mystical side of animals in the spiritual world, debuted last year with a fine raven design. Finished with dark antiquing, and highlighted with some gilding and colour, it was suitably mysterious, and despite only being an ounce in weight, had some great levels of high-relief.

All of that is in evidence with this creepy, almost gothic Victorian Black Widow spider, sitting on the edge of its web, with what looks like a Deaths Head Moth on it. It’s all set over a background featuring a Gothic arch. The spider is beautifully done, with its eight red eyes, and gilded filigree pattern on its abdomen. It all looks like something from an old Universal Pictures monster movie. The common obverse returns, with its bat-like gargoyle perched atop the stone spire of a church, the moon behind.

This is a very unique series, having a distinct style of its own, and yet managing to remain relatively affordable in today’s market. The high-relief means the diameter of 32 mm is a little less than usual, but we’re fine with the trade-off, and hope to see more of this type in the future.