“In space, no one can hear you scream.” With that tagline, Alien burst onto movie screens in 1979 and forever changed science-fiction horror. Previously full of rubber-suited actors shuffling around what directors thought a spaceship would look like, or on a planet that looked suspiciously like a quarry in England, Alien took it to a whole new level. Two people are largely responsible. Master director Ridley Scott, whose visual sense is second to none, and Swiss artist H.R. Giger.

Giger gave Scott the imagery he needed to lift this movie from also-ran to cult classic. His biomechanical style was perfect, and he created one of the greatest alien antagonists in movie history. Utterly lethal and with acid coursing through its veins, the alien Xenomorph had everything from a violent birth to its utterly unique appearance. It instantly made the rubber-suited aliens of the 50s and 60s look ridiculous. Various sequels, some amazing (Aliens, Romulus), some best forgotten (Resurrection), cemented the place of this incredible creation.

While not a direct copy, Spectres new amalgamation of the biomechanical style, and their range of bladed weapon coins has brought to life this very cool new release. Struck in only a single ounce of fine silver, and antique finished, it brings that ‘Alien’ aesthetic to numismatics and is a success in my eye. I’m an insane Giger and Alien nut, however, so obviously a bit biased… It’s covered in the bio-organic elements that made his work so beloved. A terrific issue, just 500 will be produced, and it comes boxed with a COA.