Two new issues from T&S Coin are the focus of our attention here, and both are all-new, not part of any ongoing series, although one of them, at least, is the debut issue in a new one. This talented producer has concentrated on a classic modern numismatic format, the 2 oz, high-relief, antique-finished coin, and both of these continue with that, along with the gilding and colour that often work so well with it.

The first of the two is this beautiful Geisha coin. There are lots of misconceptions about Geisha, so let’s start by clearing up a few of them. Until 1751, Geisha were exclusively male (called Taiko-muchi), and predominantly so for some time after, but are now female. Geisha are performing artists, hosts known for their conversational abilities, skilled in dance and music, and absolute icons of Japanese culture, with each region having their own distinctive styles, developed over decades.

The look of a Geisha is dependant upon the stage of their career, and the region of Japan, but in general, there’s an exquisite kimono, and sometimes an adorned headdress over a formal hairstyle. The most striking visual cue is the use of makeup, especially the white foundation applied to the face and neck, and often highlighted in red. This was made with lead in the past, but that’s no longer the case, for obvious reasons. The beautiful woman in the coin is classic Geisha as most people think of them. The coloured and gilded highlights are a perfect accompaniment to the antiquing, and the background setting is quintessentially Japanese.

The obverse is a common one T&S Coin use across their whole range, and fortunately, it’s a first-class design, on a whole other level from the usual effigy of King Charles III that sits on many Pacific island issues. The coin comes boxed, with a COA. All told, a very pretty coin.