Enhanced Coins – Gilding, Colouring, High Relief and Other Techniques
Modern collectible coins are often true miniature works of art. Gilding, colour printing, deep relief, crystals or mother-of-pearl – these are all coin enhancement techniques that make each issue look unique.
In this article we explain what enhanced coins are, which techniques mints use and what to look out for when buying and storing them.
What is an enhanced coin?
An enhanced coin is a coin whose appearance has been enriched with techniques that go beyond standard striking. The base is still a precious metal – most often 999 silver – but it is the enhancements that give the coin its character and collector value.
Enhancements increase the cost and complexity of production, so such coins are usually issued in a limited mintage.
Gilding (gold plating)
Gilding means covering the coin, or parts of it, with a thin layer of gold.
- selective gilding – only chosen elements are gold-plated, e.g. a crown, armour or lettering,
- full gilding – the entire surface of the coin is gold-plated.
The gold layer is very thin and decorative – it does not significantly change the metal content, but it greatly enhances the visual effect.
Ruthenium plating
Ruthenium plating covers the coin with a layer of ruthenium – a platinum-group metal – giving the surface a deep black or graphite colour. Combined with gilding or mirror silver, it creates a striking, contrasting look. Such coins are often described as Black Proof or "black ruthenium".
Colouring
Colouring means applying colour to the coin's surface. Thanks to modern printing techniques, mints can reproduce photographs, paintings and very fine details on a coin.
Colour is more delicate than metal – it can be scratched or fade under strong light. That is why coloured coins are best kept in their capsule and away from direct sunlight.
High Relief and Ultra High Relief
High Relief means the raised elements of the design are much higher than on a standard coin. To achieve this, mints use thicker blanks – which is why, for example, a 2 oz high-relief coin may have a similar diameter to a regular 1 oz coin, but is much thicker.
Ultra High Relief goes even further – the relief is so deep that the coin resembles a miniature sculpture. Striking such coins requires special presses and multiple strikes.
High relief is very often combined with an Antique Finish, which further emphasises the depth of the details.
Smartminting®
Smartminting is a proprietary technology developed by CIT (Coin Invest Trust) together with the German mint B.H. Mayer. It achieves exceptionally high and detailed relief that traditional methods cannot match. Later generations of the technology have made relief of up to 9 mm possible.
Inserts and additional materials
Mints increasingly combine silver with other materials:
- crystals – e.g. as animal eyes or stars,
- mother-of-pearl – an iridescent insert with a natural sheen,
- amber, glass, wood, meteorite fragments – linked to the coin's theme,
- moving parts – rotating or sliding elements of the design.
Unusual shapes and 3D forms
Not every coin has to be round. You will find coins shaped like animals, leaves or buildings, full 3D sculptures, as well as convex and concave coins. Such issues are among the most impressive pieces in any collection.
Do enhancements increase a coin's value?
Enhancements increase a coin's appeal and production cost, so its price is higher than the value of the silver alone. Collector value, however, depends on many factors: the popularity of the series, mintage, quality of execution and condition. Buy coins you genuinely like first – that way your collection will always bring you satisfaction.
How to care for enhanced coins
- do not remove the coin from its capsule unless necessary,
- protect coloured coins from direct sunlight,
- never clean coins with patina, gilding or colour,
- keep the original box and certificate – they matter when reselling.
Find more tips in How to Store Silver Coins?
Summary
Enhanced coins combine the value of precious metal with the craftsmanship of the mint. Gilding, ruthenium plating, colouring, high relief and unusual inserts make every coin tell its own story.
Discover over 200 enhanced coins at Magikos-Coins – from classic gilding to 3D sculptures and coins with mother-of-pearl.