Mint XXI have joined CIT with a new batch of releases, and as one of the few producers on the same level, we look forward to seeing them every bit as much. We’re obviously swamped with new issues at the moment, but we’ll do our best to filter them in over the next couple of weeks. Fortunately, we have a comprehensive Coin Series Profile to this first look, the 2019 debuted ‘Planets and Gods’ series of three-ounce coloured silver coins.

The latest pair round out the major planetary bodies in our Solar System, and depict Earth and the Moon, respectively. Both are gorgeous looks at the ancient Greco-Roman personifications of those bodies, done in high-relief, and antique finished. Each sits over a coloured background depicting the planet from space. It’s a striking contrast in styles, from the classic, almost statuesque interpretation of the goddess, to the modern view of the planet.

This pair does differ from those that have come before. While the rest of the series have been 55 mm diameter, 93.3 gram (3oz) coins, these two keep the diameter, but are now 62.2 gram (2oz) strikes instead. A welcome change, for us, given modern minting techniques mean coins of this diameter can maintain the levels of relief with less metal than before, so why pay for it?

All told, a pretty series, with much appeal for the classic numismatist, drawing on symbolic deities that have adorned coins for millennia. A great example of the old transferring to the new without heading down the path of gimmickry. Available to order from Top World Coins, and other dealers shortly, with shipping in mid-late June.