Famous Dutch tattoo artist ‘Hanky Panky’ is celebrated on a striking new medallion

Kurt Cobain, Robbie Williams, Adam Levine, Lady Gaga, Lemmy Kilmister, Pearl Jam and the Red Hot Chili Peppers make a list of big name talent that any artist would love on their CV. Dutch tattoo artist Henk Schiffmacher, affectionately known as Hanky Panky, can make that claim, having worked on all of them, along with many others over the last few decades.

Not just a tattoo artist, Schiffmacher has written books on tattoo artistry, presented TV shows and curated exhibitions on the subject. By all accounts a larger than life character, Hanky Panky continues to ply his trade at his own Amsterdam-based tattoo shop. Despite all this, he remains a very unusual choice of subject for a commemorative issue. The end result however, puts to bed any reservations you might have – it’s quite superb.

The obverse has a very characterful portrait of the man, almost textured like an oil painting. Lots of detail, it certainly makes a great change from Queen Elizabeth II. The reverse face is a reproduction of a piece of Schiffmacher’s original art and it’s a gorgeous piece. Everywhere you look there are neat little touches, and the way the art flows over the border is very well done.

Sadly, there’s only a base-metal (CuNi) version of this at present, mounted to a coin card decorated with his art. Hopefully, the Royal Dutch Mint will give us a proof silver version in the near future. We don’t generally cover medallions or base metal issues here, but this one was too good to pass up. Available now for just €12.50.

MINTS DESCRIPTION

Henk Schiffmacher has reached his 40 year anniversary and we want to celebrate this impressive milestone with him! The world renowned tattoo artist opened his first tattoo shop in 1979 and the rest is history. In 2017 Schiffmacher was even honoured with the title Officer of the Order of Orange-Nassau. The Royal Dutch Mint and Schiffmacher have joined forces in a unique collaboration, where Schiffmacher designed the medal as well as the design on the coincard. Now you can own a real Schiffmacher without having to get a tattoo. This medal in coincard is a true eyecatcher and a must have for every artistic collector.

REVERSE: features a woman holding onto a cross, while waves crash below her. This image is part of a series of Schiffmacher designed artworks known as ‘Rock of Ages’. It’s a unique design, upon which modeler Juan Sanchez-Castano added depth and relief. “IN GOD WE TRUST, EVERYBODY ELSE PAYS CASH” is featured on the reverse, the same sentence that can be found above his tattoo shop window.

OBVERSE: Henk Schiffmacher’s portrait has been immortalized on the medal through the use of special 3D and modelling techniques. In addition to the Mint Master’s privy mark, Schiffmacher’s own ‘skull’ mark can be seen as well. Also featured are the words “HENK SCHIFFM∀CHER”.

SPECIFICATION
DENOMINATION None
COMPOSITION Copper-nickel
WEIGHT 15.50 grams
DIMENSIONS 33.0 mm
FINISH Brilliant uncirculated
MODIFICATIONS None
MINTAGE 4,040
BOX / COA Coin card