Famed in numismatic circles for their innovative, and expansive ‘Bi-Metal Max’ silver over copper coins, Precious Metal Collector’s also produce some quite unique pieces in more traditional formats. Not as traditional as the usual round formats in most cases, however, but solid silver in form. It’s their shaped coins we’re looking at here, and these three aren’t all of the new ones either, but we’ll save the Asian-themed issues for another time.

First of the three is this three-ounce T. Rex. Now, shaped T. Rex coins aren’t new, with The Coin Company having issued one for their Jurassic Park/World franchise, but PMC’s take is very cool. Everyone’s favourite pet dino is depicted with a good level of detail, and what we currently understand to be decent anatomy. The obverse is the star here, with an under-the-skin look at this apex predator’s innards, complete with musculature, skeleton, and even an eyeball. Top stuff. There’s an antiqued variant, and a gilded one. The text inscriptions are a little distracting, but overall, a great addition to the genre.

The second coin is another unique piece, reproducing the famous bronze sculpture, The Discobolus of Myron. In this case, Myron isn’t the location, but the name of the original sculptor, Myron of Eleutherae, who worked in Athens around 480-440 BCE. The original is lost, the one we have now is a later Roman copy in marble. A wonderful subject for a coin, and one impeccably realised. Fun fact, I used to throw discus at school many decades ago, but the only six-pack I have now is Fosters lager, and the disc in my hand would be a pizza…

Finally, we covered PMC’s superb George Washington shaped coin just last week, and now we have Nikola Tesla in the same style. Like Washington, this is an outstanding release, very realistic in its portrayal. PMC, along with CIT, really have the art of doing a human face on a coin, down perfectly. The obverse on this one is also excellent, filled with technical drawings inspired by Tesla’s work. Again, quite outstanding, in our view.

All of these should be available to order now, and with a range of subjects this wide, we’re sure at least one will be of interest. Shaped coins aren’t for everyone, particularly the traditionalists out there, but you have to admire the skills on show here.

MINTS DESCRIPTION

The T. rex has been one of the most popular dinosaurs since its discovery in 1874. Popular culture has always been focused on the speed and prowess of these dinosaurs as predators, and even Jurassic Park the movie gave them some attention alongside the now-famous Velociraptor. Tyrannosaurus Rex could grow to more than 40 ft long and 13 ft tall, and had an impressively terrifying mouth full of huge teeth. The sheer size of these monstrous dinosaurs has always been a key feature of the fascination with their existence. This dinosaur has also more recently become associated with comics making fun of their short front legs compared to their powerful and long hind legs. The T. rex has staying power in the popular imagination, and if collectors have seen one of the many full skeletons that are in museums in the US, they will know why.

The incredible detail on the obverse of this piece shows the complete skeleton of the T. rex, allowing viewers to look at the muscles and bones that would have made this dinosaur’s prowess at running fast, and powerful hunting processes possible. It is easy to imagine this large creature sprinting across the plains, eating smaller dinosaurs in one bite. The reverse side shows what a T. rex would have looked like without being reduced to bones and muscles and tendons.

MINTS DESCRIPTION

The Discobolus of Myron is a classic Greek sculpture from the classical period of 460-450 BC. The sculpture shows a young man throwing a discus and is thought to be one of the best renderings of this sport from this period. This statue has long been revered as a fine example of the way in which sculpture can communicate motion and tension. The lines of the athlete’s body seem to communicate a feeling that the sculpture is just about to come to life and finish the action he has begun. This is one of the features of Greek statuary, and this sense of movement and tension is a key factor that is looked for when authenticating these pieces.

The sculpture is perfectly recreated by this model and the detail is exquisite. The quality minting and precision make sure that the sculpture is just as beautiful as the original, and collectors will love the quality and perfection of the finished product. Collectors might not be able to own the original sculpture for their private collection, but this beautiful rendering offers all the same beauty and movement as the original pieces.

MINTS DESCRIPTION

Nikola Tesla was an inventor who was endlessly curious and who is credited with being one of the earliest pioneers in sustainable energy technology. He was the creator of the first alternating current induction motor, which made him a fortune that he then lost over the course of his life. He is credited with the invention of the Tesla coil, and he was also instrumental in the creation of safe and stable indoor lighting that changed the way that people experienced day and night. His lighting solutions also changed the way that factories operated during the winter. Arc lighting that he helped to invent made city streets safer at night as well.

His long-term and very well-known rivalry with Thomas Edison led to his interest in a different kind of current. To create a different kind of electrical solution than Edison’s direct current became Tesla’s passion, and he was eventually successful. This was a matter of pride for Tesla, who felt like no one believed in his inventions. This piece of art is based on a well-known photograph of Nikola Tesla that was taken in 1890 when Tesla was 34. The slightly arrogant smile and direct gaze that is captured in the image are in keeping with the way that most contemporaries remembered Tesla.