The national bank (NBK) presented a series of 3D-printed collector coins depicting the Balkhash perch at the World Money Fair in Berlin, Germany, QazMonitor reports.
Established in 1971, the World Money Fair (WMF) is the largest numismatic exhibition in Europe. Representatives of central banks and mints from Japan, Australia, Italy, and Greece along with coin companies and traders from all over the world participate in the event.
NBK has participated in the WMF annually since 2000.
BALQASH ALABUGASY (Balkhash perch) are a part of the “Flora and Fauna of Kazakhstan” collection series. The coins were minted using 3D ultra-high relief technology.
“A prototype was minted with a perch head relief 17 mm higher than the coin’s surface. So far, no other mint in the world has been able to achieve a similar result,” states the NBK’s press release.
Designers changed the vertical slope of the image axis by 10 degrees, added detail to the relief and made the reverse surface wavy with an iridescent image of scales.
To achieve the desired look, the mint specialists had to develop a unique stamping washer, enabling the minting of a wavy surface with an iridescent image. In addition, the conceived device permitted the separation of the finished product from the minting tool.
The collection is available in two forms:
– 925/1000 sterling silver coin. Weight 100 grams, diameter 50 mm, denomination ₸1,000, mintage 500 pieces
– MN 25 melchior alloy coin. Weight 15 grams, diameter 33 mm, denomination ₸200, mintage 20,000 pieces