New to numismatics last year, the Germania Mint tapped into the long association between coins and national personifications with a new design rooted in the Teutonic world. The female figure has long been the go-to for national identity, right the way back to Athena for the biggest city-state in Greece, and countries today are fully in on the concept. The United Kingdom (Britannia), France (Marianne), the United States (Liberty), and many others including Switzerland, Scotland, Poland and Canada, all identify in such a way.

The debut bullion ‘coin’ last year was well liked and a fine first issue. Now the Germania Mint is taking the concept further with its first Allegories. The theme here is quite uncommon on coins – the depiction of more than one national persona. For 2019, the lucky lady standing alongside Germania is Britannia. It’s a pretty design, almost looking like Germania is reaching out to, but being rejected by, Britannia. A subtle nod to Brexit, perhaps. Whatever the back story, it works well.

We were very impressed by the obverse face on last years issue, and this one certainly doesn’t disappoint. On the contrary, it’s quite gorgeous. The shield and oak-leaves, despite being a modern construct, packs out this face perfectly and is far better than another effigy of Queen Elizabeth II. Easily one of the best we’ve ever seen on a bullion coin or round, and one of the best of its type on any coin.

There are three sizes on offer this time, all of which are bullion rounds and all have the same diameter of 38.61 mm. The 1oz format, as the industries most popular, is a given, and has a mintage of 25,000 pieces. The 2oz coin has a mintage of just 10% of that and as you’ve guessed, is effectively a double-thickness piedfort. The 5oz offering is a thick beast, and only 500 will be produced. It does look to be a beautiful item, however.

We like last years Germania debut, but we love this one. Dual persona’s on a coin is certainly a rare concept and this looks to be a series to watch. A beautiful piece, it should be available to order shortly and each one comes encapsulated. Given the ability of the mint producing these, we’d not be surprised to see some higher-end versions in the future.