Earlier this year, Precious Metal Collectors debuted the first in a new series called Warriors Through Time. Done in that unique ‘boxed action-figure’ style that debuted with their Mission X range, it featured a cowboy, meant to be man that ended the career of legendary outlaw Billy the Kid, Pat Garrett. The format has a figure in a recessed rectangle laid out with the tools of his trade, one of which is gilded. The obverse has an action pose in the background, in front of which is a shield on which the Samoan emblem and issue details are inscribed. The whole is antique-finished. The cowboy coin was excellent, but in my opinion at least, these two are better.

The second in the series, launched at the beginning of June, showcased that most iconic of ancient warriors, the Spartans, and it used the hero of Thermopylae, King Leonidas I. The reverse features the man in full armour over a stone cobbled backdrop. Laid around him is a narrow shield, swords, axes, a spear, and more instruments of death dealing. It isn’t the most historically accurate selection, but the movie 300 and the like have made this an easy sell. The obverse has a fine image of Leonidas holding that classic Spartan round shield. It’s all beautifully textured, and for me at least, the star of the show.

I think that’s also the case for the new one launched today, The Viking, which focuses on Ragnar Lothbrok, a name that has grabbed much attention in modern popular culture through television, in particular. The reverse face follows that same style, with a Viking in battle dress taking centre-stage, and surrounded by various axes and hammers, along with a shield. The horn is the gilded element. I love the obverse on this one, with a berserk Viking charging with the shield in hand. That shield is filled with runic symbols, and like the Spartan obverse, this one is beautifully textured and detailed.

Both are boxed with a COA, and have mintages of 399. This concludes the three designs we saw back in January at the World Money Fair, and that may be the end of the series, although we hope not. A neat take on a perennially popular theme.