The coin is a big one. Despite utilising just two ounces of silver, the employment of a copper core means it’s both thick, and a large 80 mm in diameter. There’s also copious levels of high-relief on both faces, so all that metal has been put to good use. The design is very impressive. The reverse face shows us the whole creature, caught in the act of pulling a large sailing vessel beneath the waves. High-relief is everywhere, the waves in particular making great use of it. Those waves, along with a pattern on the Kraken itself, have UV colouration, meaning it emits an eerie glow under UV light.

The obverse is usually the more visually boring face of a coin, but not so here. A fantastic high-relief close-up of the Kraken’s head, along with some tentacles, dominate it. That subtle blue colouration is also present here, which turns into a riot of glowing colour in a darkened room under a UV light. the copper-coloured eyes finish off what is an extraordinary portrayal. It’s easily our favourite side, even with the intrusive issue details.

The coin comes neatly presented in a solid acrylic block display box, along with a Certificate of Authenticity. The serial number is also engraved on the edge of the coin. An extraordinary piece of numismatic art, it’s another one enhancing the reputation of a producer not afraid to try out new ideas and subjects. Available now.