Stormtroopers – the cannon fodder of the universe get their very own Classic Star Wars collector coins

Classic Star Wars, the first coin series from the New Zealand Mint to feature the iconic science-fiction universe, now has a new entrant. Fourteen coins in, the Imperial Stormtroopers finally get to be showcased on this very popular series. This is the first time a group, rather than a specific character, has appeared in the series, and follows Emperor Palpatine from a couple of months ago. The Stormtrooper has recently put in an appearance on the mints flagship two-ounce ultra-high relief series, however.

The coin depicts a trio of the iconic Imperial troopers, and has identical artwork for the one-ounce silver and the one-ounce gold variants. Sometimes, when the design is difficult to reproduce at a smaller size, the mint will take a cropped version of the design for use on the quarter-ounce gold version. We’ve been quite enthusiastic about the practice as it maximises the use of the more limited space of the 22 mm diameter coin and this one seems a perfect example of why.

The obverse face is typical NZ Mint fare. The Ian Rank Broadley effigy of Queen Elizabeth II is surrounded by almost all of the required inscriptions – as expected of a Niue issue. The presentation is unchanged and of a great quality. Eschewing a heavily thematic design, the boxes are clean, elegant and hold a serialised certificate of authenticity.

We’ve always been admirers of this series. A classic, unadorned design, beautifully struck and presented with class, these are collectables the Star Wars fan can buy with the knowledge they will remain desirable for many years to come. Don’t base your opinion too much on the official images you see here. In hand, we’ve yet to be disappointed with the end result. Available now from several of our sponsors, as well as direct from the mint.

2018 STAR WARS CLASSIC – STORMTROOPERS

SILVER 1ozGOLD 1oz

STORMTROOPERS

The military philosophy of the Galactic Empire was internally focused and heavily incorporated the “Tarkin-doctrine”, which mandated “rule through fear of force”, rather than “force itself”, would ensure peace and stability across the galaxy. Unlike their Clone Wars predecessors, Imperial Stormtroopers were primarily an internal security and peacekeeping force that had never faced large scale conflict until the latter years of the Galactic Civil War. Disloyalty or failures were heavily punished and individualism was discouraged; command structure was sacred and disobeying orders (no matter how irrational) was forbidden. This meant Imperial Stormtroopers lacked improvisation and were highly ineffective when cut off from command, but also allowed the best trained soldiers who prefer death over retreat.

As established in the original Star Wars trilogy of films, the troopers’ most distinctive equipment is their white battle armor, which completely encases the body and typically has no individually distinguishing markings.

The order of battle of the Stormtrooper Corps is unspecified in the Star Wars universe. Accompanying the Imperial Navy, stormtroopers are able to be deployed swiftly and respond to states of civil unrest or insurrection, act as a planetary garrison, and police areas within the Galactic Empire. They are shown in collective groups of varying organizational sizes ranging from squads to legions and for some, their armor and training are modified for special operations and environments.

SPECIFICATION

DENOMINATION $2 New Zealand $250 New Zealand $25 New Zealand
COMPOSITION 0.999 silver 0.9999 gold 0.9999 gold
WEIGHT 31.1 grams 31.1 grams 7.78 grams
DIAMETER 40.00 mm 32.00 mm 22.00 mm
FINISH Proof Proof Proof
MODIFICATIONS None None None
MINTAGE 10,000 500 1,000
BOX / COA Yes / Yes Yes / Yes Yes / Yes
NEW ZEALAND MINT