Star Wars shaped dimensional coins return with the iconic Stormtrooper helmet

Continuing with their flagship Star Wars franchise, the New Zealand Mint has returned to the dimensional format they debuted with Darth Vader last year. For 2020, it’s the Sith Lords’ henchmen, the Imperial Stormtrooper, that’s the subject. One of the most iconic symbols in science fiction, this is clearly a fine choice for this series.

Like Vader, this is a fully dimensional coin – one that has both ultra-high levels of relief, and a shape that follows the subject rather than a simple geometric form. We were lucky enough to see a prototype in Berlin (images further down) and are pleased to report it’s an impressive realisation. There’s just enough detail present without to pull off a convincing replica and the frosted finish works so much better than a polished look would do. The concave obverse hides away the necessary effigy of Empress Elizabeth.

We were a little critical of the decision not to enhance the Vader issue with a black proof finish of some sort, perhaps Rhodium or Ruthenium plating, but no such negative can be applied here. The packaging is of a very high quality, but you would expect nothing less of the NZ Mint.

So, we have a good looking and well implemented coin, with a popular subject and a mintage of 5,000 pieces. It isn’t the only Stormtrooper coin they’ve issued, but it is, in our view at least, the best one they’ve done to date. Available now, We’ve added this one to our expansive guide covering all of the New Zealand Mints Star Wars issues.

IMPERIAL STORMTROOPERS

The military philosophy of the Galactic Empire was internally focused and heavily incorporated the “Tarkin-doctrine”, which mandated “rule through fear of force”, rather than “force itself”, would ensure peace and stability across the galaxy. Unlike their Clone Wars predecessors, Imperial Stormtroopers were primarily an internal security and peacekeeping force that had never faced large scale conflict until the latter years of the Galactic Civil War. Disloyalty or failures were heavily punished and individualism was discouraged; command structure was sacred and disobeying orders (no matter how irrational) was forbidden. This meant Imperial Stormtroopers lacked improvisation and were highly ineffective when cut off from command, but also allowed the best trained soldiers who prefer death over retreat.

As established in the original Star Wars trilogy of films, the troopers’ most distinctive equipment is their white battle armor, which completely encases the body and typically has no individually distinguishing markings.

The order of battle of the Stormtrooper Corps is unspecified in the Star Wars universe. Accompanying the Imperial Navy, stormtroopers are able to be deployed swiftly and respond to states of civil unrest or insurrection, act as a planetary garrison, and police areas within the Galactic Empire. They are shown in collective groups of varying organizational sizes ranging from squads to legions and for some, their armor and training are modified for special operations and environments.