TOM: We produce many high relief coins here at The Perth Mint, a number of which I have designed myself. I’m particularly proud of the Australian Lunar and Australian fauna series.
In this case, the increased relief of the 2oz rimless coin presented an additional challenge in terms of visualising how the design would best be displayed in this new format. Antiquing is a finishing technique which creates a great impression of depth to a coin.
Knowing this, I needed to create a design that was quite bold, yet offered subtle layers in order to capture the best effect – this was a challenge from a design perspective. Sculpting the figure was also a challenge to our engraving department, and I think they pulled it off with considerable aplomb!
GC: What sort of technical challenges did the Perth Mint encounter during the die making process and the minting of the coin?
TOM: Our Manufacturing team advised that the minting of this coin was unique because it is splash minted rather than struck in the conventional fashion. This was the first time that
TOM: Our Manufacturing team advised that the minting of this coin was unique because it is splash minted rather than struck in the conventional fashion. This was the first time that
The Perth Mint manufactured an ultra-high relief rimless coin so it was a challenge to determine the ideal metal flow. A range of new tooling had to be developed, and a number of prototypes had to be made, to ensure the optimum relief was achieved.
GC: How long did this project take, from the first team meeting deciding on the concept, to the final product?
TOM: The project was developed at a concept meeting in September 2011.
GC: How long did this project take, from the first team meeting deciding on the concept, to the final product?
TOM: The project was developed at a concept meeting in September 2011.
GC: This is a very different art style from the Lunar Horses. Last time we talked, you mentioned that you thought that your knowledge of anatomy was one of your strong suits. It seems to have stood you in good stead! What would you call your style for this coin?
TOM: Thank you. I was aiming for a sort of heroic realism, typified by the dynamic larger-than-life poses and compositions of ancient Greek statuary. The Elgin marbles were an inspiration, as were the hieroglyphic-looking designs on ancient Greek earthenware.
GC: Where did you draw your inspiration for such a striking design? What sort of research did you do?
TOM: I researched ancient Greek art, statuary, friezes and domestic design, as well as the symbolism and mythological histories of the Gods in question. It was exciting – those Gods got up to a lot of hijinks!
GC: The more I look at this coin, the more things I notice. What would you say you like most about the coin, now that it’s finished?
TOM: I enjoy the way the antiqued finish brings out the subtler details of the engraving and sculpting. I’d like to give credit to one of our finest engravers, Joseph Tilli, who contributed to a first class sculpt on the figure.
TOM: Thank you. I was aiming for a sort of heroic realism, typified by the dynamic larger-than-life poses and compositions of ancient Greek statuary. The Elgin marbles were an inspiration, as were the hieroglyphic-looking designs on ancient Greek earthenware.
GC: Where did you draw your inspiration for such a striking design? What sort of research did you do?
TOM: I researched ancient Greek art, statuary, friezes and domestic design, as well as the symbolism and mythological histories of the Gods in question. It was exciting – those Gods got up to a lot of hijinks!
GC: The more I look at this coin, the more things I notice. What would you say you like most about the coin, now that it’s finished?
TOM: I enjoy the way the antiqued finish brings out the subtler details of the engraving and sculpting. I’d like to give credit to one of our finest engravers, Joseph Tilli, who contributed to a first class sculpt on the figure.
It was great to be given a chance to use the antique finish. I’ve always appreciated the way it brings out the three-dimensional feel of the design.
GC: Which coin is next in the Gods of Olympus series? Poseidon and Hades have been mentioned. Will there be any more coins besides those? Perhaps Aphrodite or Ares?
TOM: All I can say for now is watch this space!
GC: Our art department would like to know which designer tools would be hard for you to live without.
TOM: It would be very hard to live without our digital drawing tablets! They provide a similar experience to drawing by hand, while giving you all the tools of the digital desktop.
GC: Finally, what coin would you design, if given free rein?
TOM: I have suggested another rimless series at a concept meeting we held last year. For the particular theme I presented, the artistry would be very colourful and varied in design, and would present beautifully in the right packaging. I’d love to see them in production one day.
GC: Thanks again for taking time to chat! We can’t wait to see what your next design will be!
GC: Which coin is next in the Gods of Olympus series? Poseidon and Hades have been mentioned. Will there be any more coins besides those? Perhaps Aphrodite or Ares?
TOM: All I can say for now is watch this space!
GC: Our art department would like to know which designer tools would be hard for you to live without.
TOM: It would be very hard to live without our digital drawing tablets! They provide a similar experience to drawing by hand, while giving you all the tools of the digital desktop.
GC: Finally, what coin would you design, if given free rein?
TOM: I have suggested another rimless series at a concept meeting we held last year. For the particular theme I presented, the artistry would be very colourful and varied in design, and would present beautifully in the right packaging. I’d love to see them in production one day.
GC: Thanks again for taking time to chat! We can’t wait to see what your next design will be!
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