The New Zealand Mint is now taking orders for the first issues in a series its Web site describes as a “major new Star Wars programme.” Star Wars Classic: Darth Vader will be available as a 1 oz. silver coin, a 1/4 oz. gold coin, and a 1 oz. gold coin, and will come with a stylized case and a certificate of authenticity.
The three coins share a common design. The reverse features an image of Darth Vader at the moment he first appears in Star Wars, Episode IV: A New Hope, walking briskly with two storm troopers behind him. The reverse bears the Ian Rank-Broadley portrait of Queen Elizabeth II, along with inscriptions marking the 2016 year-of-issue, the denomination, and NIUE, the country of issue.
The 1 oz. silver Proof coin costs $85 and has a mintage limit of 10,000 pieces. It is composed of fine silver that is 99.9% pure, measures 40 mm in diameter, and carries a monetary denomination of $2.
The 1/4 oz. gold Proof coin costs $600 and has a mintage limit of 1,000. It is composed of fine gold that is 99.99% pure, measures 20 mm in diameter, and carries a denomination of $25.
The 1 oz. gold Proof coin carries a price tag of $2,500 and has a mintage limit of just 500 pieces. Like the 1/4 oz. coin, it is made of 99.99% pure gold, but carries the much larger denomination of $200. It measures 32 mm in diameter.
The New Zealand Mint expects to debut more releases “featuring many of the great characters associated with this cultural phenomenon” soon. Orders containing Star Wars Classic: Darth Vader coins will begin shipping on September 7, with free international delivery for purchases totaling more than $300. For more information, visit the New Zealand Mint’s Web site.
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