One of the hit series from the last few years and one that helped popularise the growing market for the hard to strike domed coin format, Southern Sky was a three-coin range of 1oz domed silver coins depicting constellations visible in the southern night sky. First appearing in 2012 with the constellation Crux, a new coin was released annually, with Pavo in 2013 and Orion in 2014. After a short break, we’re glad to report that the concept is to continue with the natural progression to the north.

Northern Sky is also to be a three-coin series and starts off with Cassiopeia. The design is pretty much identical to those that preceded it, except where previously the whole centre of the coin was filled with a brightly coloured depiction of the constellation, this new one has more muted colours and a clean struck crescent tree-line to enhance the sense of realism at the expense of the more clinical look previously employed. Which is preferable is a matter of opinion, but it’s good to see the concept evolve. Packaging has changed to the new standardised box the Royal Australian Mint now uses, nice enough, but we’ll miss the more original tins.

With the first coin Southern Sky Crux now selling for multiples of the issue price, and Pavo showing signs of following suit, the news that there are another three coins coming will possibly add impetus to the appreciation of these fine coins, especially with the mintage now at only 5,000 pieces, half the previous number. We’ve always loved the simplicity of design, the quality of strike, and the brilliant way the domed form of the coin fits the concept so well, so these are very welcome additions for collectors of astronomy coins, and the growing number of collectors buying domed coins for the format rather than the subject. Available to order now for $120.00 AUD, the coin will ship in the first week of December.