FIVE!!! THUNDERBIRDS COUNTDOWN STARTS WITH THUNDERBIRD FIVE SPACE STATION

The second of the New Zealand Mints seven coins celebrating the 50th anniversary of the superb British science-fiction tv show, ‘Thunderbirds’ launches today and is the first of five that depict the main Thunderbird vessels and the Tracy brother that controls them.

The series of Niue-issued coins started in February with a design dedicated to the anniversary itself and is planned to end in September with the same design in gold. The central five all follow the design ethos shown on this new coin and countdown from Thunderbird Five to Thunderbird One. We like them immensely, finding them very much in keeping with the character of the show, and think they’ll make a great set once complete. The acyrilc display stands the NZ Mint use are amongst the best around and make showing the coins off very easy.

The greatest of Gerry Anderson’s puppet-based creations, Thunderbirds chronicles the adventures of International Rescue, a mysterious rescue organisation using ultra-advanced equipment to save lives. Set in 2065 and run by the Tracy Family, headed by ex-astronaut father Jeff and crewed by his five sons, the 32 episodes filmed are some of the most entertaining of their genre.

Filmed between 1964 and 1966, it used pioneering scale-model special effects sequences in a hybrid filming technique they called “Supermarionation”. One if the most expensive television series of all time when it was filmed, the show spawned two movies in 1966 and 1968. A 2004 live-action movie was also released to a universal critical mauling and rightly so; an absolutely appalling movie that should be avoided like the plague. The new series made in the UK by ITV, and in New Zealand with effects wizrds Weta, has recently debuted and is actually off to an ok start. With 52 episodes having already been commissioned, it seems Thunderbirds are back to stay for a good while.

MINTS DESCRIPTION

The Thunderbird 5, 1 oz Fine Silver Coin is the first in the countdown from Thunderbird 5 to 1 coins released by New Zealand Mint. Featuring the quiet and intelligent John Tracy and his space-rescue vehicle Thunderbird 5, this coin sets the scene for the complete set. It’s release is timed to coincide with an exciting part-CGI television remake, which will be broadcast in 2015 on CITV, 50 years after the original.

Gerry Anderson’s now classic show blasted onto television screens in 1965. Using a unique puppet system known as SuperMarionation, Thunderbirds became an instant hit. Set in the year 2065 on a secret island, the series stars the Tracy family, who together battle the forces of evil as ‘International Rescue’. Included in this line up were five vehicles known as Thunderbirds. Piloted by the talented Tracy brothers, the dynamic combination ensured heroic search and rescue missions in each intrepid episode.

Today Thunderbirds remains one of the most influential British Sci-Fi television shows of its era, and continues to play an influential part in modern culture.

REVERSE: This design features the a colored image of John Tracy and the Thunderbird 5 against a background featuring the various vehicles of the thunderbird series.

OBVERSE: This features the Ian Rank-Broadley effigy of Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth II. Country of Issue – Niue.

PRESENTATION: This stunning Thunderbirds – John Tracy coin is presented in a futuristic, clear Perspex coin case. A classic box and uniquely numbered Certificate of Authenticity, make this one of a kind release and a classy and nostalgic gift for any Thunderbirds fan or coin aficionado.