Powercoin continue one of their most appealing series with the second ‘B-Different’ coin. These coins celebrate those that stand out in a crowd by doing something they want to do, or be something they want to be, even if general society pushes in a different direction, often towards conformity. The truth remains that it is rarely ubiquity that pushes innovation or change, and those that choose a more personal path can move mountains.

The first issue, released last year, was themed around an old trope, that of the black sheep, and it was simple in execution, but perfectly realised. The 2026 is even better, and more pointed in today’s world. In modern culture, we see hordes of people with their focus entirely on a smartphone, often consuming the daily diet of mindless social media, and biased reporting, that is fed to us so that the few can become rich, and the masses become distracted.

Here, a solitary figure goes against the crowd, both figuratively and actually, reading a book. Undistracted, he is captivated by it, not drawn away by the endless slop we’re fed these days. I love the design of this, and the spirit of the message behind it. The reverse face is free of distracting inscriptions, and the high-relief strike looks first class. The common obverse from the debut coin returns, but that’s okay because it is itself, well constructed and on point.

As before, this is a two-ounce silver coin with a 500 mintage, neatly presented in a display frame, and available to order now. Personally, I love this one, and hope it’s a success. A fine series, well timed, and something Powercoin should be proud of.