The Singapore Coin Show sees launch of new CIT Laughing Buddha gilded silvercoin

The big release from Coin Invest Trust for the 2017 Singapore Coin Show is this new example of high-relief done by their bespoke technique, smartminting. Depicting a Laughing Buddha, the coin combines their Black Proof technique, one with a similar end result to rhodium/ruthenium plating, and traditional gilding.

The design is of a large, high-relief Buddha figure, sitting down in contemplation. In the background is a repeating pattern that brings to mind the Kalachakra, like that used by Art Mint on its first superb Mandala coin back in 2015. The Buddha sits proud of the coins reverse face with a sharp delineation in a way that is almost unique to smartminted coins. It’s fully gilded, something that just seems right for the subject. Sitting in the dark finished background, it provides a nice contrast and a fine looking coin. Only a tiny 2017 date is inscribed at the bottom, the words LAUGHING BUDDHA above being arguably an integrated part of the design.

Issued for Palau with that cool nautical shield emblem that the country has on its coins, the obverse also carries a simpler, cleaner version of the background design from the reverse face. The denomination is inscribed below and the whole face is also in a black proof finish.

The coin weighs two ounces and comes supplied in a box with a certificate of authenticity. As with many coins issued with themes popular in the Far Eastern market, the mintage employs the number 8, in this case 888 being the maximum number being produced. This is because the number is considered lucky, particularly in Chinese culture.  Available for pre-order soon, we’ve yet to see a release date or price, but we’d hazard a guess at May and €150-200.