Precious Metal Collectors reproduces Leonardo da Vinci’s ‘The Last Supper’ in giant style

Precious Metal Collectors have brought to market some impressive issues in their numerous copper-cored coin ranges, but their latest is a chonky beast even by those standards. The technique they use is simple enough. Wrap a relatively small quantity of fine silver around a much larger centre of fine copper. The result is a huge coin that would cost a fortune if struck fully in silver, but at a much more reasonable cost.

Leonardo da Vinci’s legendary ‘The Last Supper’ is a work that almost everyone knows, and one that has appeared on coins before, but never quite like this. Measuring in at 145.0 x 115.0 mm, it employs the producers “Bi-Metal Max” technology to fine effect. It’s a simple reproduction of the masterpiece, done in high-relief, and antique finished. That’s a strength if you like the painting, but I’ve always found it an unimpressive work full of blank space, so what you think of the coin will determine what you think of the painting.

No arguments on the obverse, however. which is filled with a superb stipple engraved and printed portrait of Leonardo. The national coat of arms of the Republic of Chad sits in the lower-right corner. All told, an impressive piece of numismatic art, reproducing a classic masterpiece in fine style. A mintage of 500 pieces and a price tag of around $420.00 USD means it’s considerably more affordable than if it had been struck fully in a kilo of silver, instead of of 2 oz of silver and 33.5 oz of copper. Available now.

THE LAST SUPPER by Leonardo da Vinci

Painted in the latter part of the last decade of the 15th century, ‘The Last Supper’ was part of a restoration plan for the Convent of Santa Maria delle Grazie in Milan, Italy. Commissioned by Leonardo’s patron Ludovico Sforza, Duke of Milan, the painting represents the scene of the Last Supper of Jesus with his apostles, as it is told in the Gospel of John, 13:21.

Measuring a hefty 460 cm × 880 cm (180 in × 350 in) it stll sits in the monastery of Santa Maria, occupying a wall in the dining room. Sadly, due to a combination of poor materials, environmental issues, intentional damage and a succession of restorations of varying competance, very little remains of the original work.