MintXXI @ WMF: Legendary Shaolin Kung Fu animal-inspired techniques are showcased, starting with Tiger Style UPDATED

Shaolin Kung Fu is about as famous a martial art as you’re ever going to see. Popularised by countless Chinese movies, often with hilarious, dynamic fighting, there are few that haven’t heard of this fighting ethos. Movie lovers will no doubt understand the different fighting styles employed by the discipline, like Crane-style and Dragon style. They’ve even been part of films as diverse as Kung Fu Panda, and Austin Powers.

So, obviously a great subject for a coin series and something we haven’t seen before. Mint XXI are kicking it all off with ‘Tiger-style’, a group of related styles favouring the aggressive use of hand weapons, often against multiple opponents. You can see why the Tiger was chosen as its inspiration.

This two-ounce 0.999 silver coin looks to be another demonstration of Mint XXI’s ability to push design boundaries. The reverse is an impressive mix of Shaolin warrior monk, which is overlaid onto a beautiful tiger portrait, complete with a pair of Swarovski crystals for eyes. Every bit of space is replete with imagery. A lovely design.

The obverse appears to depict other styles that may appear in the series – the Crane, Leopard, Snake and Dragon – all massed together outside a temple. We’d assume this will be common to the series, if that is the intention. We usually get actual coin images from Mint XXI, but the virtual nature of WMF this year and the ongoing pandemic mean we only have renders at present. However, we’re in no doubt this will be an absolutely cracking coin when it comes out and we look forward to seeing it. Available to order now from Top World Coins and other retailers.

UPDATE: Now with actual images and its every bit as cool as we suspected.