Warfare series from Tuvalu wraps up for 2018 with an action-packed Hussars coin

The sequel series to the Perth Mints numerous gods series, Warfare launched this year as a three-coin series and we’ve already seen the Romans and Vikings. The last issue is a superb depiction of a cavalry force called the Hussars. A two-ounce silver, rimless coin, antique finished and high-relief, it ticks all the boxes in this genre, although no surprise there as it was the Perth Mint that popularised it. Packed to the edge with tons of detail, we love this Lucas Bowers design of this one. The certificate has an NFC chip embedded within it again. When it communicates with a smartphone passed close by it displays a panoramic image of the battle scene that can be viewed using 3D VR goggles. The coin has a 2.000 mintage and a $199.00 AUD price tag. Available now.

The term hussar emerged in Hungary during the 15th century to describe a class of elite, lightly armed horsemen introduced by King Matthias Corvinus. With fast, agile horses, they were invaluable scouts and skirmishers who also provided mobile flanks for heavy cavalry in his powerfully equipped Black Army. Recognising the value of hussars, other continental armies including those of France, Austria, Prussia and Russia adopted the Hungarian style of light cavalry during the 18th century, while Britain transformed dragoon regiments to hussars during the Napoleonic Wars of 1803 to 1815. Hussars are known for their dashing and cavalier demeanour, most notably characterised by elaborate, brightly coloured uniforms. Armed with a sabre and firearms, the hussar’s extravagant appearance was  completed by a shako – a tall, cylindrical shaped leather cap topped by a feather plume or pompom.

REVERSE: portrays hussars charging towards infantrymen during the Napoleonic Wars. Wearing their distinctive uniforms, the moustachioed horsemen have their sabres raised aloft in readiness to strike the enemy.

OBVERSE: portrays the Ian Rank-Broadley effigy of Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth II, the monetary denomination and the 2018 year date.