The last of the five coin Thunderbirds Countdown coins, and the penultimate release of seven coins overall, Thunderbird 1 is perhaps the most iconic representation of the series. The Mach 22.6 rocket powered reconnaisance craft was designed to be the first response from the International Rescue organisation and was a capable rescue craft in its own right.

Like the previous Countdown coins, the coin depicts the Thunderbird vessel and the Tracy brother pilot. Celebrating the 50th anniversary of the pioneering Gerry Anderson conceived British science-fiction tv show, ‘Thunderbirds’ the series comprises six silver coins and a single ¼ oz gold one due for a September release.

The craft coins all follow the design ethos shown here and countdown from the space station Thunderbird Five to the rocket-scout, Thunderbird One. If you have any love for the original series, the coins can be considered a brilliant tribute with a bang-on design and great presentation.  The perspex display stands the NZ Mint use are among the best around and make showing the coins off very easy. Available from today for $85 USD.

The greatest of Gerry Anderson’s puppet-based creations, Thunderbirds chronicles the adventures of International Rescue, a mysterious rescue organisation using ultra-advanced equipment to save lives. Set in 2065 and run by the Tracy Family, headed by ex-astronaut father Jeff and crewed by his five sons, the 32 episodes filmed are some of the most entertaining of their genre. Filmed between 1964 and 1966, it used pioneering scale-model special effects sequences in a hybrid filming technique they called “Supermarionation”. One if the most expensive television series of all time when it was filmed, the show spawned two movies in 1966 and 1968. The new series made in the UK by ITV, and in New Zealand with effects wizards Weta, has to date spawned 13 episodes and is currently on mid-season hiatus. Fifty-two episodes having already been commissioned, and while it’s unlikely to reach the classic status of the original – it is just another CGI kids show after all – it does at least capture some of the spirit of the original.

MINTS DESCRIPTION

The Thunderbird 1, 1 oz Fine Silver Coin is the fifth and final release in the countdown from Thunderbird 5, 4, 3, 2 to 1 from New Zealand Mint. Featuring the smart and daring Scott Tracy and his fast turboboosted vehicle Thunderbird 1, this coin is an impressive  finale to the series. It’s release is timed to coincide with an exciting part-CGI television remake, which begun its broadcasting in April 2015, 50 years after the original.

Gerry Anderson’s iconic Sci-fi show blasted onto television screens in 1965. Set in the year 2065 on a secret island base, the series stars the Tracy family, who together with their five vehicles known as the Thunderbirds battle the forces of evil as ‘International Rescue’.

This highly collectible coin has a Limited Mintage of only 5,000 coins.

REVERSE: This design features Scott Tracy, pilot of Thunderbird 1, set against an engraved background.

OBVERSE: This features the Ian Rank-Broadley effigy of Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth II. Country of Issue – Niue.

PRESENTATION: This colourful retro-styled Thunderbird 1 silver coin is presented in Thunderbirds themed packaging. A classic box and uniquely numbered Certificate of Authenticity, make this one of a kind release a classy and nostalgic gift for any Thunderbirds fan or coin aficionado.

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SPECIFICATION