CIT’s Reconstruction – Gorilla
Following “Elephant – Savanna Power” in 2024, this year will see the release of the second motif in CIT’s Reconstruction series: “Gorilla – Guardian of the Jungle”. Both issues are characterized by their unusual ways to depict animals. The bust image of a gorilla is decomposed into horizontal, rod-like segments that are slightly offset from each other, creating an alienating effect. The edge of the commemorative coin is particularly noteworthy as it precisely matches the form of the segments, creating a highly complex Special Shape. Achieving such a coin edge requires utmost precision, a great deal of expertise, and mastery of all the possibilities of contemporary minting technology. The coin was minted using the special smartminting® technique in ultra high relief and with partial colouring at B. H. Mayer’s Kunstprägeanstalt, Munich.
Inhalt
Description of the Coin
One side shows the head of a gorilla in a three-quarter view facing left. The depiction consists of slightly offset, rod-like segments that extend beyond the edge of the coin. On the right the legend GUARDIAN / OF THE / JUNGLE / 2026. Decorative patterns in the background.
The other side depicts the portrait of Charles III by Dan Thorne (initials DT); around it 10 DOLLARS / Charles III / COOK ISLANDS, surrounded by more patterns.
Cook Islands / 10 Dollars / Silver .9999 / 2 oz / 45 mm / Mintage: 999.
Background
The color application is particularly remarkable as it impressively highlights the gorilla’s eyes. They appear to follow the viewer everywhere, no matter from which angle you look at the coin. This color application is a new feature that was not used for Savanna Power. The subtle coloring enhances the visual effect created by the contrast between the photorealistic image and the sense of alienation.
Male western gorilla (Gorilla gorilla). Photo: RedGazelle15 via Wikimedia Commons / CC BY-SA 4.0.
The Reconstruction series will amaze connoisseurs and lovers of innovative minting technology alike. It demonstrates CIT’s creative approach to reimagining motifs and H. Mayer’s Kunstprägeanstalt’s ability to bring even to most unusual ideas to life.
If you want to experience all three dimensions of this coin, you have to watch the corresponding clip:
You are currently viewing a placeholder content from YouTube. To access the actual content, click the button below. Please note that doing so will share data with third-party providers.
