The breadth of talent of the artists decorating the covers of science-fiction novels is, perhaps, one of the most under-rated genres out there. Taking the vision put in words and designing a cover that encapsulates it in a single work is a serious talent. It’s not uncommon for people to rebuy a sci-fi novel sequence, just for the cover art – Dune comes to mind as an example.

One such talent is Polish painter and sculptor, Wojciech Siudmak, who has an extensive portfolio in this genre, including a run of the Dune novels. Indeed, Dune film director Denis Villeneuve has cited Siudmak’s work as an influence. The Mint of Poland’s latest art coin, of which there are many, is based on one of his most iconic works, Energy, created in 1994. The work is reproduced in colour in the centre of the reverse face, and surrounded by cleanly struck art inspired by it. Siudmak’s signature is also inscribed here.

On the obverse we have ‘Guardian of the Desert’, a 1993 sculpture, which depicts a hybrid man and bird. An extraordinarily weird piece, it has also appeared in the painting, ‘harvest of Illusions’. Siudmak has a fertile imagination, which is the hallmark of a successful science-fiction artist.

Issued for Cameroon, this one-ounce coin has a mintage of 1,000 pieces, and comes presented in a latex-skin frame box, inside a themed slipcover. A fine coin, it would be good to see more of Siudmak’s work showcased in this way. Available now.