New producer, MK, comes in hot, with an epic trimetallic silver Thousand-armed Bodhisattva coin of 188 mm diameter
We’ve seen some impressive examples of copper-cored coins released over the last few years, primarily from Singapore-based Precious Metal Collectors. The concept is quite simple. A large chunk of cheaper metal is sandwiched between layers of silver, This keeps the precious metal content down to affordable levels, while simultaneously allowing those same coins to be relatively huge. Actually, just plain huge, full stop…
New producer, MK, have debuted their first big release, and big is an understatement. How big a coin can you make from two-ounces of silver? Around 40 mm, perhaps 50 mm? How about 188 mm!! The key is that core, and instead of sticking with just copper, we have zinc this time as well. To be clear, this isn’t achieved by making the coin very thin. This one is 25 mm (1″) thick, and the high-relief alone can touch 15 mm in height. You’re not going to be putting this in your pocket. We’ve added an American Silver Eagle bullion coin to the image above to give you some idea of scale.
All of that would count for naught if the end result failed the aesthetic test, but as you can see from the gallery below, this is a beautiful piece of religious art from the Asian continent. Depicting Guanyin, the compassionate Bodhisattva, she is noted for her 1,000 arms, and is a female, synonymous to the male Avalokiteśvara in Sanskrit culture. It’s a visually striking individual, and MK have had an amazing crack at doing her justice.
The video below is the best way to see the coin, although kudos to MK for supplying us some excellent quality images as well. What strikes you the most is the level of relief, and the sheer scale of it all. It’s very impressive. The obverse features an ancient text, an English translation of which can be seen in the video below. Only this coin could carry all of that!
The coin comes nicely presented in a themed box with a Certificate of Authenticity, and the mintage is a decent number at 999 pieces. We haven’t seen prices yet, but we reckon this one will be well priced for such a huge coin, one of the benefits of this minting technique. Whatever the case, it certainly hits the mark as a piece of numismatic art.
We’ve noticed that it can be bought at French dealer Coins & More, and it’s currently under €450.
GUAN YIN
Guan Yin, also known as Guanyin or Kuan Yin, is a revered figure in Chinese Buddhism and East Asian spirituality. Originating in Mahayana Buddhist traditions, Guan Yin is often depicted as a compassionate bodhisattva, embodying the qualities of mercy, compassion, and infinite love. The name Guan Yin translates to “Observing the Sounds of the World,” signifying her ability to hear and respond to the cries of suffering beings.
Guan Yin’s appearance varies across different cultures and artistic representations. She is typically portrayed as a serene and graceful figure, often depicted as a bodhisattva with multiple arms, each holding symbolic items or gestures. In Chinese depictions, she is sometimes shown with a willow branch, symbolizing her ability to heal and nurture. In some forms, Guan Yin may appear with a thousand eyes and arms, representing her all-encompassing awareness and ability to reach out to those in need.
Guan Yin’s origins trace back to ancient Indian Buddhist scriptures, and her popularity spread throughout East Asia, including China, Japan, Korea, and Vietnam. She is revered as a source of solace and protection, providing guidance to those seeking relief from suffering and seeking spiritual enlightenment. Guan Yin’s enduring presence continues to inspire and uplift people across cultures, emphasizing the importance of compassion and selfless service in the journey toward enlightenment.
| SPECIFICATION | |
| DENOMINATION | 10,000 Francs (Chad) |
| COMPOSITION | 62.2 g of silver, 480.0 g of Copper, 835.0 g of Zinc |
| DIMENSIONS | 188.0 mm |
| FINISH | Antique |
| MODIFICATIONS | Ultra high-relief, |
| MINTAGE | 999 |
That is one impressive coin. I am not sure about the core being mixed, but the price for pure silver would be out of most people’s budget.
Absolutely, especially when you take metal density into account. Silver is around 50% denser than zinc, so to keep that same size, you need a lot more by weight. Same with the copper. In solid silver, this is a circa 2 kg coin, and given most 1 kg numismatics hit €2.5k+, this has got to be cheaper by far.