Powercoin’s hit Micromosaic Passion series is back with a new look, and featuring the artist Frida Kahlo as the subject

However, the work here is part of a series by digital artist, André Sanchez, called La selva de sus vestidos, done in tribute to the Mexican icon. There are sixteen works in the series on the artist’s website, and Powercoin have taken a crop from one of them for the coin. Each of the works are very distinctive, and often more than a little weird, but the chosen piece of design is quite beautifully done, depicting Kahlo in a rainforest setting, complete with a macaw, and she’s exquisitely dressed.

The changes from the first series mainly revolve around two things. Firstly, there’s a layering, created using high-relief, and secondly, part of the design is not ‘mosaiced’ and kept clean of the process. Both things have the potential to spoil the effect so carefully crafted with the first series, but we have to say, on this evidence, that any fears are unfounded. The coin is vibrant, with a stunningly rich and finely applied colour application running from edge to edge. The mosaic patterning is impeccable.

The obverse continues the theming with a mosaic texture, including using it to form the wording, which is a little less successful, but still okay. The star is that quirky, expertly realised reverse face, for sure. The coin is boxed, with a Certificate of Authenticity, and the serial number is also engraved on the coin edge. An outstanding issue. The new concept will need careful shepherding to ensure the balance between smooth and mosaic is maintained, but Powercoin have shown a knack for it in previous issues, not just in the mosaic series, but also the puzzle one. We love this one, from the esoteric selection of subject, to the employment of CIT’s expertise in production. Available to pre-order now.