Coin Invest Trust (CIT) have released the latest in their annual ‘Nano’ coins, the fourth in the range. Kicking off back in 2012 with Nano Earth, at the time the nanochip technology was new and ground-breaking. Around 10 x 7 mm in size, these chips have images and text inscribed on them so tiny they need a microscope to see clearly.

Over the last few years they’ve increased in sophistication to the extent they now incorporate full graduated colour backgrounds and imagery. This has allowed CIT to make the nanochips far more informative and impressive in design as the series has progressed. Each coin is themed around an aspect of nature going from the Earth in 2012, through Space and the Sea, and on to Life for 2015. The chip in the 2015 is also larger than has gone before.

This years coin takes us on a trip back through the timeline of life to the Cambrian period, from Homo Erectus to the Trilobite, covering the last 542 million years. The design of the coin itself is fresh and well executed, we love the way it all seems to hang together, especially the inscriptions that often look like such an afterthought on many commemorative coins. It’s good to see CIT extend the act of packaging these coins in good quality customised boxes after years of sticking them in a capsule and plastic bag with a cert.

Available at dealers now, this 50g/50mm sterling silver coin should be priced around €200-250. Not a bargain coin, but a fine one in our view. If you have the others, this one is a no-brainer.

MINTS DESCRIPTION

The Nano Chip of the latest generation provides an insight into the evolution of life on our planet. Under the microscope one finds informative details and illustrations of Evolution across the last 542 million years.

Beginning in Ancient Times (Paleozoic), on to the Middle Ages (Mesozoic), and right up to Contemporary Time (Cenozoic), illustrations simple arthropods through to Homo erectus are shown as steps of evolution. Who knows whether the human race will also simply be referred to as an intermediate stage of Evolution in an indefinite period of time?