Back in September 2013, shortly after we went live, the Royal Canadian Mint released seven gold and silver coins in commemoration of Superman’s 75th anniversary. Co-created by Canadian Joe Shuster, this link was enough for the RCM to commit heavily. They were successful enough to make the Superman coin an annual occurence. In August 2014 came another 3 silver and 1 gold coins, followed in June 2015 by the same again, along with a $20 for $20 release. It was in 2016 that the numbers exploded somewhat.

One of the big movies of 2016 has been Zack Snyder’s Batman V Superman, a movie heavily panned by the critics but popular with moviegoers. Having seen it recently and expecting little, I found the movie an enjoyable romp, much better than expected. The RCM betted heavily on its popularity with a nine-coin extravaganza; 1 gold, 1 cupronickel, and 7 silver. A second $20 for $20 was part of that and was again, very popular. Egged on by that, the RCM has recently launched a true bullion coin featuring Supermans shield symbol, and with a one-million mintage. That also has been very popular. The movie coins also brought with them another benefit; Batman and Wonder Woman.

Despite there already being more coins launched this year than any previous one, the RCM hasn’t finished yet. Taking advantage of the two new characters the movie has given them access to, this new three coin set features Superman, Batman and Wonder Woman. With each struck in one troy-ounce of fine (0.9999) silver, they look back to the earlier comic-book versions of the characters rather than the modern movie interpretations. Sold as a subscription, there will be one coin released per month from July, each priced at $109.95 CAD.

With a background of comic book panels, a coloured image of the character is overlaid to good effect. Even the coins denomination is nicely incorporated into the design by being placed in a comic-book style ‘zap’ bubble. The obverse is the usual Susanna Blunt effigy of Queen Elizabeth II. Packaging is excellent, if looking a little bulky. Bright, colourful and extensively customised for each coin, the appeal to comic book fans is readily apparent. Available to purchase now and shipping from 5 July.

Your DC Comics Originals subscription has a classic, slightly retro style, recalling the look most comic book fans grew up with and remember fondly. Basing itself on the DC COMICS style of the 1980s, this subscription of three coins celebrates one of the most established looks for the DC COMICS pantheon of SUPER HEROES.

01 SUPERMAN: Your coin’s design mimics a comic book splash page with its engraved rendition of SUPERMAN. Standing with legs apart and fists clenched, SUPERMAN radiates strength and resolve as he lifts his eyes to the skies. The application of blue, red and yellow colour over the detailed engraving recreates his iconic costume and S-Shield as his red cape swirls around him with each movement. On the left, the Silver-Age Fortress of Solitude rises up behind SUPERMAN, while the classic SUPERMAN telescopic logo is seen on the right side. A laser halftone pattern adds a modern graphic element that fills the background while infusing the entirety of the design with a classic comic book feel.

02 WONDER WOMAN: Your coin’s design mimics a comic book splash page with its engraved rendition of WONDER WOMAN. WONDER WOMAN is a pillar of strength as she stands with her bracelets crossed, ready to deflect anything that may come her way. The application of blue, red and yellow colours over the detailed engraving recreate her iconic costume and symbol, particularly the yellow of her tiara and the Lasso of Truth carried on her hip. Behind her is an engraved view of her island home Themyscira, a.k.a. Paradise Island, while the classic WONDER WOMAN logo is engraved to her left. A laser halftone pattern adds a modern graphic element that fills the background while infusing the entirety of the design with a classic comic book feel.

03 BATMAN: Your coin mimics a comic book splash page with its engraved rendition of BATMAN. With arms outstretched and knees bent, BATMAN fearlessly soars into action against the GOTHAM CITY skyline. The application of blue, grey and yellow colouring over the detailed engraving recreate his iconic costume and symbol, while the alternating shades of blue and black add shadowing to his bat-like webbed cape. To the far right, the classic BATMAN logo is engraved just above the skyscrapers, while a laser halftone pattern adds a modern graphic element in the background that infuses the entirety of the design with a classic comic book feel.

PACKAGING: Your coins are encapsulated and presented in a one-of-a-kind collector case that features an exciting glow-in-the-dark BATMAN Emblem! Ships with your first coin!

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