Introducing Nanoshine: CIT’s Butterfly
At first glance, Butterfly evokes the graceful charm of silhouettes from the Biedermeier period. Butterfly seems delicate, fragile and beautiful, just like its real-life model. The technical marvel behind it only becomes apparent at second glance.
Before the introduction of nanoshine, it was impossible to create a perfect proof finish on such tiny areas and lines.
Description of the Coin
One side features a butterfly with its wings outstretched on a circular lace pattern; the year 2025 under the right rosette.
The other side depicts the portrait of Charles III by Dan Thorne (initials DT); around it 5 DOLLARS / Charles III / COOK ISLANDS.
Cook Islands / 5 Dollars 2025 / Silver .9999 / 1 oz / 38.61 mm / Obsidian Black / Mintage: 999 / Special technology: Obsidian Black and nanoshine. Minted by B. H. Mayer’s Kunstprägeanstalt, Munich.
Background
Before Butterfly, it was possible to apply different finishes to different parts of a coin. Usually, a combination of proof and frosted finishes is used in this context. Antique Finish, or partial gilding, has also been known since the 19th century. In close cooperation with B.H. Mayer, CIT has been expanding this range for years: Obsidian Proof and Obsidian Black are just two of the new finishes that give coins a completely different look.
All of the designs with such finishes share an important characteristic: one finish dominates the design while the others are applied to small areas. Never before has there been a coin like Butterfly, with two finishes – Obsidian Black and nanoshine – being this closely intertwined. Before the introduction of nanoshine, it was impossible to create a perfect proof finish on such tiny areas and lines.
nanoshine is a completely new technology with the potential to transform the aesthetics of coin design. Butterfly is the beginning of an exciting development in contemporary coinage!
If you want to experience all three dimensions of this coin, you have to watch the corresponding film:
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