Star Wars in Numismatics
40 years ago, George Lucas launched a sci-fi film depicting a fantastic story of good and evil. This innovative film was met with huge success from day one, and 40 years later, it has become one of the most successful movie franchises in history. It currently boasts 3 TV series, a plethora of books and video games, and 7 full-length feature films, with plenty more incoming.
A number of Mints have taken advantage of Star War’s massive popularity by releasing licensed Star Wars-themed collector’s coins.
In 2005, to accompany the release of Star Wars Episode III: Revenge of the Sith, a company known as Gold Quest created a set of silver and gold coins featuring sharp images of title characters from all six prequel and sequel films. Although the set’s mintage was highly limited at 9,999 and only a small amount of these were sold and distributed, these coins allowed collectors to add the spirit of Star Wars to their collections for the very first time!
This continued in 2011 with a huge array of coins from the prestigious New Zealand Mint. Available as 1 oz. colorized proof silver coins, colorized proof silver-plated coins, and gilt colorized proof silver-plated coins. These coins depicted title characters from the three sequel films. From the bright blue of Luke Skywalker’s lightsaber to the dark black of Darth Vader’s helmet, these colorized coins allowed fans to experience Star Wars in their collection like never before! While these coins, like the 2005 issues, are hard to find, ModernCoinMart (MCM) has a large selection that is regularly available.
In 2016, the New Zealand Mint revisited the Star Wars franchise with a number of coins to coincide with the release of the latest film, Star Wars Episode VII: The Force Awakens. Issuing both a Colorized Proof Silver Force Awakens Series and Proof Silver and Gold Star Wars Classics coin series, the New Zealand Mint astounded collectors again with their incredible ability to strike scenes from Star Wars into coinage. These 2016 releases depict well-known figures such as Darth Vader and Yoda in the Classics Series, while new figures in the Star Wars universe, such as Rey and Kylo Ren, are featured in the Force Awakens series. The Star Wars Classics Series is still under production, so keep an eye out for their next release!
Star Wars Rogue One Coins
Now, in honor of the eighth film in the franchise, Rogue One: A Star Wars Story, the New Zealand Mint is releasing its latest Star Wars coins! These consist of two legal tender Colorized Proof 1 oz. silver pieces—one for the Empire and one for the Rebellion.
The Empire
The Empire makes an appearance on this coin as we have never seen it before! The new villain of Rogue One, Director Orson Krennic, resides front and center in the design. Flanking him are his elite Deathtroopers in their sinister black armor and the classic white-armored Stormtroopers that received no benefit from the colorization. The Star Wars logo and “ROGUE ONE overlay this design.
The Rebellion
This coin shows an impressive image of the Rebel Strike team central to the film debuting in December of 2016. Arrayed in detailed color are Jyn Erso, Captain Cassian, K-2S0, Chirrut Imwe, Baze Malbus, and Bodhi Rook. Like the Empire’s coin, the Star Wars logo overlays the scene directly above “ROGUE ONE.”
Ian Rank-Broadley’s prestigious portrait of Her Royal Majesty, Queen Elizabeth II, resides on the obverse of both coins. Inscribed around her is “ELIZABETH II,” “NIUE,” “TWO DOLLARS,” and “2017.” These coins have been struck out of .999 fine silver by the New Zealand Mint, with a limited mintage of 10,000 for each issue.
If these coins sound like something you need for your collection, you can browse these 2017 Star Wars Rogue One Coins in a variety of options at ModernCoinMart (MCM) right now. They carry a number of graded options equipped with a very special Star Wars NGC label. This label is only available at MCM, and if you plan to collect all of the coins in this series, this could be just the touch you need!