We’ve reached the midway point of the five-coin ‘Thunderbirds Countdown’ with the rocket, Thunderbird 3. Each of the five coins depicts one of the main Thunderbird vessels and the Tracy brother that controls it. Celebrating the 50th anniversary of the superb Gerry Anderson conceived British science-fiction tv show, ‘Thunderbirds’  the series contains seven coins overall. Including the five vessel coins, the range is bookended by an anniversary design, one in silver and the last one due for a September release, in gold.

The craft coins all follow the design ethos shown here and countdown from the space station Thunderbird Five to the rocket-scout, Thunderbird One. If you’ve seen the previous coins you’ll know what to expect here. We’re fans of the tv show and the coins, showing a design perfectly in keeping with the character of the show, and in our view they’ll make a great set once complete. The perspex display stands the NZ Mint use are among the best around and make showing the coins off very easy.

The greatest of Gerry Anderson’s puppet-based creations, Thunderbirds chronicles the adventures of International Rescue, a mysterious rescue organisation using ultra-advanced equipment to save lives. Set in 2065 and run by the Tracy Family, headed by ex-astronaut father Jeff and crewed by his five sons, the 32 episodes filmed are some of the most entertaining of their genre.

Filmed between 1964 and 1966, it used  pioneering scale-model special effects sequences in a hybrid filming technique they called “Supermarionation”. One if the most expensive television series of all time when it was filmed, the show spawned two movies in 1966 and 1968. A 2004 live-action film was also released to a universal critical mauling and rightly so; an absolutely appalling movie that should be avoided like the plague. The new series made in the UK by ITV, and in New Zealand with effects wizards Weta, has reached the half way mark of its first season, and even though it will never replace the brilliance of the original, it’s shaping up to be decent enough. Fifty-two episodes having already been commissioned, so the new series will certainly get a chance to prove itself..

MINTS DESCRIPTION

The Thunderbird 3, 1 oz Fine Silver Coin is the third in the countdown from Classic Thunderbird 5 to 1 coins released by New Zealand Mint. Featuring the champion driver Alan Tracy and his space rescue and transport vehicle Thunderbird 3, this coin sets the scene for the complete set. It’s release is timed to coincide with an exciting part-CGI television remake, which begun its broadcasting in April 2015, 50 years after the original.

Gerry Anderson’s iconic Sci-fi show blasted onto television screens in 1965. Set in the year 2065 on a secret island base, the series stars the Tracy family, who together with their five vehicles known as the Thunderbirds battle the forces of evil as ‘International Rescue’.

This highly collectible coin has a Limited Mintage of only 5,000 coins.

REVERSE: This design features the a colored image of Alan Tracy, pilot of Thunderbird 3 against an engraved background featuring the various vehicles of the Thunderbird series.

OBVERSE: This features the Ian Rank-Broadley effigy of Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth II. Country of Issue – Niue.

PRESENTATION: This colourful retro-styled Thunderbird 3 silver coin is presented in a futuristic, clear Perspex coin case. A classic box and uniquely numbered Certificate of Authenticity, make this one of a kind release and a classy and nostalgic gift for any Thunderbirds fan or coin aficionado.

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SPECIFICATION