Posts Tagged ‘Copper’
Breaking barriers on copper coins: The 2023 Sparta High-Relief Coin
Watch my video to witness a coin with an extraordinary double-sided high-relief Proof finish!
Unlike traditional minting where only one side of the coin is stamped, the 2023 Sparta 50g Copper Coin has been crafted using Smartminting technology – this allows for a three-dimensional design to be achieved on both sides of the coin, resulting in a stunning, proof-like finish…
This technology is particularly groundbreaking when applied to copper coins, which have traditionally been difficult to mint with high relief due to the softness of the metal.
Due to the risk of damaging the copper during the minting process, the coins have historically been restricted to flat or low-relief designs. However, smartminting has broken through these barriers and has made it possible to achieve unprecedented relief levels.
One of the most impressive aspects of smartminting on copper coins is the ability to achieve a high-relief, proof-like finish on BOTH sides…
This is a rare feat – most copper coins that have been made high-relief will have a proof finish on one side and a plain or textured background on the other. Smartminting has made it possible to achieve a uniform, high-relief, proof-like finish on both sides of the coin, resulting in a stunning piece of art that truly captures the beauty and detail of the design.
Of course, with such advanced technology comes a higher level of rarity and exclusivity. Smartminting on copper is still a relatively new and expensive process, making coins minted using this technique much rarer than traditional copper coins.
In fact, many smartminted copper coins are issued in limited quantities. This 2023 Sparta 50g Copper Coin is no exception – JUST 5,000 are available worldwide.
The coin’s intricate design and extraordinary high relief are a reflection of the Spartans’ attention to detail and their pursuit of perfection in all areas of life. A testament to the innovative spirit that drove the Spartans to greatness, it’s the perfect design to experience the power and strength of one of the most famous civilisations of all time.
With such a small quantity issued worldwide, this is a highly exclusive collector’s item and has proven difficult to source for our Westminster collectors. However, we have managed to secure a limited allocation for those who can act the fastest.
Unearth the Terracotta Warriors with Smartminting technology
In 1974 a Chinese farmer came across a discovery that would captivate the world … they unearthed the 2,000-year-old Terracotta Warriors.
While digging a well in Xian, China, local farmers came across pieces of a terracotta figure. These shards turned out to be part of the 8,000-warrior-strong Terracotta Army, whose purpose was to stand guard for the first Emperor of China, Qin Shi Huang, for all of his eternal afterlife.
Qin Shi Huang – The First Emperor of China
Qin Shi Huang was the founder of the Qin dynasty and reigned as the first emperor of China between 221-210 BCE.
The emperor longed to find himself an elixir of immortality and summoned magicians and alchemists to his court to discover life-prolonging elixirs.
When his magicians were unable to find a way to make him immortal, the emperor decided to create an impressive tomb for himself. Rulers in ancient China typically had two or three statues to guard them in the afterlife, but Qin Shi Huang demanded a whole army be built to protect him.
The Terracotta Warriors
What makes these warriors so impressive is that each life-sized statue has been individually created with its own unique features, thought to represent some of the actual soldiers of the day. It is estimated that it took 720,000 artisans over 40 years to complete this incredible army.
It is no surprise that this impressive find is praised as the eighth wonder of the world and was named a UNESCO World Heritage site in 1987.
Along with the army, many other figures have been found, these include entertainers, animals, and a pair of intricately detailed, ten-foot-long bronze chariots drawn by four bronze horses.
To honour this legendary discovery, a palace-approved coin has been issued featuring 3 of the warriors, each recreated in stunning detail using the most advanced minting technology available.
Extraordinary Smartminting technology
This BRAND NEW Terracotta Warrior coin has been made using innovative smartminting technology, which provides an unprecedented level of intricate detail with extraordinary high relief. This means that the warriors and carriage on BOTH sides of the coin can be seen in 3-dimensions to a high-quality proof-like finish.
You can see this impressive craftsmanship in the video below.
Only a small number of mints across the world are able to use smartminting technology due to its extreme complexity, this means that limited ranges using this technique have been released.
And fittingly, they have been struck from a rarely used coin material, copper, complimenting the Terracotta colour of the warriors themselves.
I have only been able to secure 250 of these magnificent coins, so you’ll have to act quickly if you want to add one to your collection.