Big Monday: MDM Wholesale brings it’s multi-layer silver coin technique to Mesoamerican history, with a kilogram look at Inca culture

The largest empire in the Americas in the period before the arrival of Columbus, the Incas controlled a huge swathe of the western coast of South America, starting in the early 13th century, ending in 1572, when the last Inca state was subjugated by the Spanish. It was very unusual, in that it came to power without the use of the wheel, without draft animals, without iron or steel, and without a written language. What they did have, however, was a knack for organisation, a talent for architecture, agriculture, and textiles, and a driven leader in Pachacúte. It was in 1438, that under his leadership, the Inca began a campaign of expansion, creating an empire based around local leadership subservient to his control. However, weakened by disease (especially smallpox), and internal strife, the Incan Empire was relatively easy pickings for the Spanish.

The coin is one of MDM’s impressive multi-layer strikes, a kilo in weight, and with that characteristic concave overall profile. At the centre is a piece of characteristic Incan art, depicting their sun god, Inti. Around that are segmented scenes of life in the empire, including textile sewing, worship, and livestock agriculture. At the top, nestled in mountains, is Machu Picchu, built during the reign of Pachacúte. Everything is delineated by patterns of Incan art.

Dominating the foreground is the figure of Pachacúte, in traditional garb, and clearly addressing a crowd in perhaps a ceremonial event. It’s a terrific depiction, although I think it would’ve been a little better with the staff leaning back a little, to reduce the deep sides necessitated by the high-relief. All told, however, a first class look at an intensely fascinating culture.

The coin will come boxed with a Certificate of Authenticity, and just 199 will be produced. A fine addition to an eclectic range using this technique. Available to order now.