2022 Niue Steampunk Metal Fish 2oz Silver Antiqued Coin

The Lithuanian Mint presents a new collectible silver coin, the ‘Metal Fish’ from the ‘Steampunk’ series, which will surely appeal to both vintage and science fiction fans. Let’s embark on an industrial odyssey and admire it!

Although the steampunk subculture is associated with the inventions of the late 19th century – rigid airships, steam engines and other breakthroughs in mechanical technology – nowadays it is said that the movement itself started around the 1980s. Interestingly, this particular worldview that unites sci-fi fans involves not only incorporating elements from the past into the present, but also implementing the basics of sustainability: people are encouraged to not to throw things away and reuse them instead, sometimes in very original and creative ways – that applies for clothing, home decor, etc.

In the latest piece by the Lithuanian Mint, the masters have portrayed a shimmering, robotic-looking ‘Metal Fish’ that resembles a 19th-century automaton. The creature is surrounded by scattered parts of a ship and other details. The metal body creates an impression of coldness and strangeness associated with senseless technology. It is juxtaposed to the decorative elements – one can see gentle symbols of the underwater world around the fish, such as flowers, seashells, and tentacles of an octopus. They represent the beauty and tenderness of nature and life in general. Thus, seemingly opposite things are combined in the overall picture.

The coin is made of aged silver and has a high relief. What is more, a new minting technology – segmented copper plating – was developed and implemented specifically for the coins of the ‘Steampunk’ series. The obverse features a portrait of Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth II. The coin is sold in a wooden box with a certificate of authenticity.