Carrying on with our week-long look at the new coins Liechtenstein-based producer, Coin Invest Trust (CIT) released for the 2016 World Money Fair in Berlin, we head back to a series of well liked coins called Shades of Nature. The third annual release in this attractive range, the Siamese Fighting Fish follows on from the 2014 Bee and the 2015 Butterfly to become the first entrant to step outside of the insect world.

This particular series is noted for its strong use of laser-engraving, able to place with great accuracy both detailing and areas of matt finish on a coin. CIT use it on the 0.5g gold Chinggis Khaan coin to place greater detail on this tiny canvas to fine effect. This whole series has shown some tremendous detail, and combined with the partial gilding, is a fine looking range of nature-themed coins. The latest coin has benefitted from a subtler implementation of SmartMinting, boosting detail and relief while still remaining true to the series. Struck in 1oz of fine silver and presented in a customised wooden box, the coin is up for pre-order now at just under the €100/$100US mark from all the usual CIT dealers worldwide.

MINTS DESCRIPTION

Siamese fighting fish have traditionally been bred in Japan for centuries. The ornate males with their glamorous fins are status symbols which compete in exhibitions and championships. Nowadays, siamese fighting fish are appreciated and kept worldwide.

Just like the first two coins of this series, the 2016 issue shows amazing detail by means of precision laser engraving. Furthermore, smartminting has enabled a hitherto unknown interplay of finesse and high relief. It seems as if the fighting fish literally jumps out of the coin.

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