The latest new series of coins debuts today from the New Zealand Mint, and in a break from nature or popular culture themed releases, we’ve got a fine history range to look forward to. Called Warriors of History, each coin is to be struck in one-ounce of fine silver, antique-finished and sporting some selective colouring. Apart from a one-off coin commemorating the men of Niue that fought in WWI, we believe this is the first time the NZM has combined colour with antiquing.

First to debut is a coin featuring one of the most recognisable group of warriors in all of history, the Japanese Samurai. While we’ve yet to see this one in hand, initial impressions are very favourable. The warrior itself looks well drawn, hopefully the rich colour will be done justice by the colouring application. The coin background is pretty impressive, being quite close in concept and execution to a favourite of ours, Numiscollects History of the Crusades series. Full of detail, it complements the main element very well. The word “SAMURAI” is inscribed top left in a well chosen font. The only other inscription is the coins composition, kept very small and unobtrusive, something we wish other mints would do as we see little need to have this in huge letters distracting from a coins design.

The obverse is the ususal Ian Rank Broadley effigy of Queen Elizabeth II, also done in an antique finish. Her name, the date, issuer and denomination are also inscribed near the edge of the coin. Packaging is as well done as you’d expect from this mint, choosing a variant of the book-style design that they’ve been using more regularly since its introduction with the Shakespeare coin from a couple of years ago. With a recommended price of $80.00, the coin will be available a week from today. We look forward to the next one.