Silversaver’s reveal of the 2024 silver Hive round has once again generated another anticipated new release like in our early Pre-Hive days beginning with the 2017, 2018 and 2019 Silver struck rounds, @raybrockman’s Poured silver Hive rounds, and Bar’s culminating last year with Silversaver’s 2023 Hive button, each iteration differing in design, style and finish.
“Black birds tend to like shiny things.” ~ The Bloody Raven.
The 2024 Hive Silver round.
While last year’s 2023 button round, an emerging style seen in Silver Pouring circles, the Ovoid/oval configuration is a bold change from the usual coins, rounds and bars that make up a large majority of investment grade silver products in the market. Pit dubbed this as 'Cold Rolled Silver'
Previous posts and comments from #sgs members on this anticipated release was resoundingly positive. Still in keeping a traditional 1 Troy oz. size with the emphasis is on maximizing the HIVE logo to be even bolder! Naturally, I was interested in the process but searching IG, YouTube and his website there was no documentary-like video showing how these were made from start to finish.
As we can see the back is smooth with the natural Checking that is characteristic of the cold rolling process. What I found peculiar was the lack of Pit Bullion's trademark logo stamp on the obverse. His other similar products do have this traditionally important feature. So, my Hive friends and members. Don't lose your Certificate of Authenticity.
Wondering what inspired @pit-bullion of this design?
Delving into my personal experience, where have I seen this style before?
Now we enter the darker side of Numismatics, the rare, the obscure, the ‘where the h___ did you get that weird silver’ zone.
I got this as a surprise gift from Nyssacat to challenge my researching skills. 💋 And information was hard to come by.
@dbooster may be more familiar with these than I am, and I may have mistranslated a detail or three. Since it’s here, I’ll go with this novel replica Japanese silver coin?
It is a modern minted silver Koban, a privately mint piece. The Koban is an oval gold with silver alloyed circulating coin beginning in 1573 to 1867.
There are historical silver ‘Koban’ a more square-ish coin more accurately termed as Ginban that were regional feudal issues and circulated in the period between 1865 to 1668.
I can't begin to explain the nose bleed prices of such authentic medieval Japanese coins and are not suitable for Stacking.
Now back to our mystery silver. 👇
With some digging and luck I found that Kiyoshi Sagawa is the founder of Sagawa Express Company Ltd. Founded in 1962, it has grown into a major delivery and transportation company in Japan.
Sagawa's long career accented with a controversial association with the Yazuka and an indicted of a political payoff. He passed away at the age of 79 following a heart attack in March 2002.
From scant bits and pieces of information, I believe these can be company awards to employees that work under the Sagawa Express Company or gifts to business and political figures.
There are at least two variety types I could find, a different Delivery Character implying a logo change in the company’s history.
I have yet to determine dates or who was contracted to mint these nor any mintage numbers known. There are no entries in the Numista Exonuma and coin databases. Only a very few old auction listings.
Was the Japanese Koban his inspiration? After all, he did make a cool silver Samurai Pirate Skull button earlier. But I am merely speculating.
Frankly, I’d believe Pit just got up one morning, stared at his eggs and pancakes breakfast and said, “Eureka! My latest canvas of art!” 💡
Or, I'll ask him when we next cross paths.
Do you have your 2024 Hive silver Round yet? What number did you get?
Adding Silver and Crypto to my Stack for that dark and stormy night!
Arrh, I almost forgot, Hive Powerup day is at hand!
I missed last month's so at least 100 Hive, I'll post my decision in the comments below.
The #piratesunday tag is the scurvy scheme of Captain @stokjockey for #silvergoldstackers pirates to proudly showcase their shiny booty and plunder for all to see. Landlubbers arrrh… welcomed to participate and be a Pirate at heart so open yer treasure chests an’ show us what booty yea got!
References
Photos are my own shot with an ancient 2018 Samsung SM-A530W or otherwise indicated.
P. Image under Pixabay
W. Wiki Commons
☠️🎃 Page Dividers by thekittygirl. ❄️🌞
Cameo Raven Brooch from The Black Wardrobe.
Black Beard’s Hanky from ModHanks.
Silversaver’s 2023 Hive Silver Round, too late for this 2023 Hive round.
Posted Using InLeo Alpha
