154Prussia. Frederick William IV, 1840–1861.
Gold medal in the weight of 50 ducats
commemorating the publication of the second volume
of Alexander von Humboldt’s *Kosmos*.
NGC MS 65 PL.
From the estate of Emperor William I.
Estimate: 40.000 Euro

166Prussia. Frederick William IV, 1840–1861.
Gold medal in the weight of 50 ducats commemorating
the unveiling of the equestrian statue of
Frederick the Great on Unter den Linden in Berlin in 1851.
NGC MS 63 PL.
From the estate of Emperor William I.
Estimate: 25.000 Euro

191Prussia. William I, 1861–1888.
General’s Medal in the weight of 120 ducats, 1871,
commemorating the victory over France.
A magnificent specimen.
From the estate of Emperor William I.
Estimate: 75.000 Euro

297Russia. Nicholas I, 1825–1855. Family ruble.
1 1/2 rubles (10 zlotys), 1835, St. Petersburg.
NGC MS 64 (Top Pop).
Only 36 examples struck.
A cabinet piece from polished dies.
From the estate of King Frederick William IV.
Estimate: 250.000 Euro

1098Holland. Province.
5 ducats, 1681.
Struck with the dies of a guilder.
NGC PF 64 Cameo.
Proof.
Estimate: 40.000 Euro

1192HRE. Ferdinand II, 1592–1618–1637.
5 ducats, 1634, Vienna.
Extremely rare.
Extremely fine-uncirculated.
Estimate: 10.000 Euro

1266HRE. Vienna.
Salvator Medal in the weight of 12 ducats,
n. d.(around 1840).
NGC PF 61 CAMEO.
Proof.
Estimate: 15.000 Euro

1334City of Regensburg.
5 ducats, n. d. (1708–1710),
with the title of Joseph I. NGC MS 64.
Extremely rare. According to mint records,
only 7 copies struck.
A magnificent piece.
Estimate: 25.000 Euro

1602German New Guinea.
10 New Guinea Marks, 1895 A.
NGC MS 65.
A magnificent piece.
Estimate: 50.000 Euro

2757Saxony.
John Frederick the Magnanimous and
Maurice, 1541–1547.
Trinity Medal, 1544.
A masterpiece of German medal art. Magnificent,
excellent craftsmanship.
Estimate: 75.000 Euro
Archive: People and Markets

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.

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.

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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