Numiscollect’s ‘Time Flies’ silver coin series moves from trade and discovery, to humanities greatest love – Warfare

Time Flies is a series of two-ounce silver coins from Dutch producer, Numiscollect, that takes an interesting look at the progress mankind has made through various fields of endeavours. The first coin was a neat look at discovery and exploration, from Columbus to the space age, and that was succeeded last year with Trade, simultaneously one of the most enabling, and the most destructive of human forces. For 2024, it’s warfare.

The reverse face of the coin continues the series ethos of showing us an early look at the subject. Here, we have an intense naval battle, specifically the pivotal Battle of Actium, fought in the Roman civil war initiated by the assassination of Julius Caesar, On one side was Octavian’s fleet, under the command of Marcus Agrippa, and on the other, that of Marc Anthony and Cleopatra. Octavian won, and the future course of Rome as an empire, and not a republic, was assured. The chaos of that battle is well depicted on the coin, aided by smartminting, and by the removal of all but a title inscription.

The obverse fast-forwards to our current world of warfare, and there’s a composite image of modern warfare elements, rather than a single scene. There are satellites, drones, aircraft and naval vessels scattered around, and taking pride of place at the bottom, a hooded computer hacker – possibly the most dangerous of military assets in the 21st century. The use of smartminting reloaded means this face also enjoys fine levels of high-relief, and there are so many fine little details here, it’s easy to miss some of them.

The message on the reverse face is ‘War has no real winner’. Sadly, that isn’t always true, and for every pyrrhic victory, there’s one that rewards aggression, but it would be good to think that remains true in many cases. Another fine coin in this inventive series, it comes boxed with a certificate of authenticity, and is available now. Expect to see a black proof version later this year.