Coins Today continues its march to cover some truly unique subjects in its various silver ranges, with this new pair. No stackable bullion this time, but one is an undenominated piece, and the other a full coin, issued for the Republic of Chad. It’s fair to say that both are pretty unique regardless, although we’ve come to expect nothing else from CTK.

The first of the pair is this elegant reproduction of book art. Book art involves literally carving out an image through the cover, and into the pages, creating something built up in the layers of paper inside. It’s apparently a difficult form of art, requiring more forward planning than many other forms, but the results speak for themselves.

The coin, tipping the scales at a hefty half-kilo, has the shape of a hardback book, complete with a ‘pages’ texture on three sides, and a titled spine. The back carries the national emblem of Chad, done with relief, and looking exceptional here. The reverse face is a classic piece of art, with Apollo, the Greek god, done in the Renaissance style. It’s all quite impressive, and the antiqued finish suits it well.

The presentation looks top-notch, almost like the slipcase you might find on an upmarket book release, and it’s clear that CTK have expended considerable time on it. A unique coin, and with a mintage of just 99 pieces, quite a rarity as well.