Commemorative Cyberpunk 2077 coin from Gdańsk becomes legal tender on small South Pacific island of Niue
Little more than two weeks after its premier, fans of Cyberpunk 2077 have been left relishing the prospect of acquiring a limited edition, commemorative coin minted in honour of the controversial video game.
Produced by Mennica Gdańska, 500 coins will be manufactured in total with 250 set aside for fans of the game and the other half hitting the collectors market.
Flashing in vibrant violet shades offset by deep black colours, it is a display that embodies the dystopian world in which the video game is set, and fluorescent printing techniques allow the coins to glow in the dark.
Making use of the most high-tech solutions available, the Tri-City mint is hopeful that the coin will set a new world standard for its innovation.
“With it,” say officials, “we present a futuristic vision with the aim of creating a new chapter in modern numismatics.”
Delivered in a customized wooden box with an accompanying certificate of authenticity, designers have sought to channel the sci-fi spirit of Cyberpunk 2077 with a range of unexpected features.
With only the National Bank of Poland possessing the right to issue coins in the denomination of the złoty, Mennica Gdańska instead concluded an agreement with the tiny island nation of Niue to legitimize the coin.
“The reverse of the coin impresses with a multitude of details and features characteristic of Cyberpunk,” say representatives of Mennica Gdańska.
“Our design uses colours that bring to mind modern lasers and neon city lights, while the futuristic expression is heightened by fluorescent printing techniques that allow the coins to glow in the dark.”
Because the self-governing state has long been a member of the Commonwealth, its currency bears the image of the Queen.
Moreover, the elevated elements of the design will lend the coins a striking three-dimensional effect.
Mesmerizing in its detail, one face of the coin features a typical Cyberpunk 2077 scene with towering skyscrapers and hulking mega-structures looming over a souped-up motor vehicle.
Flashing in vibrant violet shades offset by deep black colours, it is a display that embodies the dystopian world in which the video game is set.
Set in the furthest recesses of the South Pacific, and with a population barely peaking above 1,500 people, the island is commonly referred to as ‘The Rock’ and is one of the world's largest coral islands.
But perhaps even more curious is the coin’s flip side. Depicting the bust of Queen Elizabeth II, the unexpected presence of Britain’s monarch has an even unlikelier explanation.
With only the National Bank of Poland possessing the right to issue coins in the denomination of the złoty, Mennica Gdańska instead concluded an agreement with the tiny island nation of Niue to legitimize the coin.
Although it has already been granted the equivalent legal status enjoyed by five New Zealand dollars (the official currency of Niue), the actual value of the coin is far higher and has been set by Mennica Gdańska at a cool 1,499 złotys.
Set in the furthest recesses of the South Pacific, and with a population barely peaking above 1,500 people, the self-governing state has long been a member of the Commonwealth; as such, its currency thereby bears the image of the Queen.
Yet whilst the Cyberpunk 2077 coin will be regarded as legal tender in Niue, it is unlikely that many will be found in open circulation – although it has already been granted the equivalent legal status enjoyed by five New Zealand dollars (the official currency of Niue), the actual value of the coin is far higher and has been set by Mennica Gdańska at a cool 1,499 złotys.
Following the success of CD Project Red’s The Witcher game, Mennica Gdańska minted a one kilogram coin available in exchange for 19,999 złotys (and worth 50 New Zealand dollars in Niue).
Slated to be released in March 2021, the coin will subsequently be joined by others that will, taken as a whole, form a series titled The Punk Universe.
Published by the Warsaw-based games developer CD Projekt Red, Cyberpunk 2077 has divided the gaming world since its mid-December launch.
Heavily criticized for its slew of bugs, demand has nevertheless remained strong with some sources forecasting that “the most hyped game of the year” will eventually break global sales of forty million.
Although the new Cyberpunk 2077 game has been heavily criticised for its slew of bugs, demand has nevertheless remained strong with some sources forecasting that “the most hyped game of the year” will eventually break global sales of 40 million.
Already well-established in the gaming world, this is not the first time CD Projekt Red have found themselves in the spotlight.
Best-known for creating The Witcher series, this cult game has spawned a similar collection of coins previously minted by Mennica Gdańska, among them a one kilogram coin available in exchange for 19,999 złotys (and worth 50 New Zealand dollars in Niue).
