Two new issues have launched today from Singaporean producer, Spectres, with wildly different themes, but utilising the same basic format. Both are antique-finished two-ounce silver coins, issued for Cameroon, shaped, high-relief, and with some interesting adornments, but the subjects veer off in completely different directions.

The first is an entrant into the increasingly popular true-crime genre, and we’re transported back to the prohibition-era United States with its very interesting design. Styled to look like a knuckleduster, it’s nevertheless replete with detail across both faces. On the reverse face we can see Lucky Luciano, armed with the infamous Tommy Gun, and moving cases of alcohol, all set against a backdrop of the iconic Cotton Club.

The obverse continues that style, and here we have confiscated barrels being emptied down a drain (I’m sitting here with a tear in my eye…), but also, a demonstration against prohibition, and a headline marking its demise. The four ‘holes’ for fingers in the knuckleduster, are filled with a look at the top of a pint of beer – a thing of beauty. A clever coin, and one very well decorated to showcase a turbulent time in early 20th century American history.

The second coin is a considerably more spiritual (as opposed to spirits-full), and while we stay in North America, we head to the folklore of the indigenous peoples for inspiration. The Thunderbird, a legendary creature in Native American mythology, is said to create thunder by flapping its wings. There are other characteristics, but like Asian mythology, they change depending on which nation is doing the telling of them.

Shaped like a powerful eagle with outstretched wings, it has, embedded into its reverse face, an oval turquoise gemstone, set into a gilded piece of indigenous iconography. Lightning bolts are incorporated into the feathers, and there are tons of details yet again. The obverse depicts a scene headlined by a Chief in ceremonial headgear to the left, and there’s an iconic totem pole to the right. In the centre is the Thunderbird, carrying away a whale, which is possibly a nod to the Obijwe tribe, who believed the bird fought with underwater spirits to protect mankind. Given how imaginative it is, it’s surprising that Native American culture isn’t featured in numismatics with greater regularity. A great look into this fascinating culture.

Both coins are available to pre-order from today, and they should cost you around $249.00 USD each. If you like them, please click the banner below, which gives us a little kickback at no cost to you.