Today sees a new bullion coin series appearing from the Perth Mint and distributed by US mega-dealer APMEX. Continuing a recent trend diversifying the subjects away from animals to a wider selection, the subject of choice here is the fascinating world of pirates. Called Black Flag after the iconic pennant which pirates of the classic age often sailed under, it will look at some of the most famous pirates and their equally famous vessels.

First out of the gate is none other than Blackbeard and his flagship, Queen Anne’s Revenge. A great design showing the ship under full sail looking a little worn out, you can even see the custom flag that Blackbeard used to identify his ship and thus send fear into his victims. A border holds title and composition details, along with a couple of neat skull & crossbones symbols. The obverse carries the usual effigy of Queen Elizabeth II by Ian Rank Broadley. We’d expect the series to move over to the Jody Clark effigy next year, although that remains unconfirmed at present as this is issued for Tuvalu and not Australia.

As well as a good design, the coin has very limited mintages to enhance their appeal. The popular 1oz silver format is capped at just 15,000 pieces – very low for a Perth Mint issue. These come encapsulated and can be bought by the tube. A 1oz gold variant rounds out the selection, and this has a positively microscopic mintage of just 100 pieces. Despite it being a bullion coin and not a proof, it comes boxed with a certificate of authenticity, a nod to its rarity.

Both will be available from APMEX today and with a cool design, interesting subject and tight mintage, we can see these being a coin to watch. Graded versions are also available in limited quantities if that’s your thing. Can’t wait for the next one.