In an unexpected step, one of the finest producers of numismatics working today, Mint XXI, has dipped a first toe into the burgeoning silver bullion market. As some others have done, like Asturmint for example, they’ve taken one of their high-end numismatic offerings and used the design to make a bullion variant, eschewing the antique finish and high-relief in the process. The source in this case is from their Celestial Beauty series.

The Three Graces is a 1.82m tall sculpture in white marble, originally commissioned by Joséphine de Beauharnais, the famous French dictator, Napoleon’s first wife. Carved in Rome by the Italian sculptor Antonio Canova, it was completed in 1814 and now resides in the Hermitage Museum in Saint Petersburg. The Neoclassical statue, depicts the three charities, all daughters of Zeus, said to represent mirth (Euphrosyne), elegance (Aglaea), and youth/beauty (Thalia).

This was the first of the Celestial Beauty coins, and since that debut in 2020, the number of designs in the range has hit thirteen, with the latest addition being Aurora. Four of the thirteen have also had one-kilo variants issued, which are quite something to see. It seems very little has been lost in the transition to a bullion strike. The high-relief has gone, of course, but this is instantly recognisable as a variant of the original coin. It’s quite impressive, and makes a welcome change from the usual bullion coin subjects. Hopefully, this issue will be a success, and we’ll see more of the Celestial Beauty coins as bullion coins. Each coin comes encapsulated.

If your taste is more towards the higher end, there’s also a proof quality strike available, limited to just 999 piece. The coin is visually identical in design, but has a superior, more defined strike. It also comes presented in a nice box, with a certificate of authenticity.

One of the images we were sent includes a selection of finishes, so we could be seeing further specials in the future. There seems to be a gold, or gilded silver coin, and one that is black plated (perhaps ruthenium or rhodium) with gilded highlights. We’ll keep an eye out for those. In the meantime, this proof version should satisfy those that liked the original, but at a more affordable price point. Available to order now.