If anyone in the numismatic world can be said to be ‘on a roll’, it’s the Mennica Polska. It should be obvious to all that the quality of modern coins has never been higher, but even taking that into account, the Mint of Poland has been producing some quite outstanding designs over the last few years. First and foremost amongst their releases have been the numerous ancient and mythologically themed issues. Despite how crowded the genre has become and despite that the mint is responsible for helping make it so, we constantly look forward to the next one from this hugely talented producer.

One of the most powerful of mythological constructs, the Four Horsemen of the Apocalypse, is the perfect choice for a limited series. Full of potent imagery and an apocalyptic story – always popular in these days of The Walking Dead – the subject has huge potential. Based on this first issue, we’re pleased to see the mint has managed to realise it. No surprises on the specification, of course. The two-ounce, rimless, ultra-high relief silver coin has almost become de rigueur in the genre, but remember that it’s popular because it works so well, while remaining relatively affordable. Coins of this size can maintain a decent diameter while allowing very high levels of relief. The renders we have here indicate that this new release won’t be short of deep relief. We’re usually suspicious of CGI renders, but the Mint of Poland has demonstrated a huge ability to strike a coin that exceeds expectations raised by them.

The reverse design has one of the best depictions of a mounted warrior we’ve yet seen on a coin. The pose of the horse in particular is quite stunning. Everywhere you look on the coin there are more things to see, with literally no negative space anywhere. The bow, boot and wrist-guard of ‘Conquest’ are highlighted with gilding, but the rest is antique-finished, along with the obverse. As for the obverse, it looks to be a common one for the series and continues this mints practice of incorporating the required effigy and inscriptions on a ‘mini-coin’ motif while allowing the rest of this face to carry a themed design. The one here of the four horses against a background of conflict looks excellent.

Packaging will likely be similar to that used by other issues of this type from the mint – namely a wooden box with an outer shipper sleeve. A certificate of authenticity will be included and the number will match that inscribed on the edge of the coin. A quite outstanding issue at first glance and one we can’t wait to see in person. As we stated earlier, a four-coin series and they will be released at the rate of one per year. This genre really is filled with quality, and The White Horse is at the top of the class. Distributed by Canadian dealer Coin Shoppe, it should be available to order any time now from them, or from several of our sponsors.