UV Printing, High Relief, Selective Finishes – Technologies That Are Changing Numismatics

A fascinating revolution is underway in the world of numismatics. Thanks to modern decorative technologies, collectible coins are reaching a level of detail and expression that would have been unimaginable just a few years ago. UV printing, high relief, and selective finishes are just some of the techniques that now give coins a unique, often truly artistic character. How do these technologies work, and what effects can they achieve? Let’s explore this through two remarkable releases: Matrix and Solarpunk from the The Punk Universe series.

UV Printing – Color and Detail Straight from Digital Art

UV printing is a technique that allows high-quality graphics to be applied directly to the surface of a coin. The ink is cured using ultraviolet light, resulting in vibrant, durable colors and exceptional detail. In numismatics, this enables the creation of realistic illustrations that beautifully complement the metallic nature of coins. A great example of this technology is the $5 Solarpunk coin. Its bright, optimistic color palette presents a vision of the future in which technology coexists with nature. Thanks to UV printing, the scene on the coin resembles a frame from a futuristic graphic novel, featuring a lively city, lush greenery, and intricate architectural elements worth admiring up close.

High Relief – Depth and Expression

Relief refers to the raised parts of a coin’s design. The higher the relief, the more three-dimensional and dynamic the coin becomes. High relief emphasizes the drama of a scene, highlights emotions on characters' faces, and gives the entire composition a new dimension. A perfect example is the $15 Matrix coin. Its reverse shows the three main characters from the film—Neo, Trinity, and Morpheus—in a powerful, frontal composition. They stride confidently toward the viewer, with a backdrop of towering skyscrapers symbolizing a futuristic cybernetic city. The use of ultra-high relief allowed for impressive depth and precision in the details.

Selective Finishes – A Play of Textures and Contrasts

Selective finishes involve applying different surface treatments to specific areas of the coin. These may include matte or polished finishes, oxidation, gilding, or silver plating. This variety enables designers to play with light, contrast, and texture, giving each coin a unique and visually engaging appearance.

A New Era in Coin Collecting

Thanks to technologies like UV printing, high relief, and selective finishes, numismatics is entering a new era. Coins are no longer merely historical artifacts or stores of value—they are becoming genuine works of art that showcase extraordinary craftsmanship. Matrix and Solarpunk prove that the boundary between numismatics and modern art is fading, and that’s exactly what makes coin collecting so exciting in the 21st century.

Want to See These Coins Up Close?

Check out the full release details on the Gdańsk Mint website:

Matrix – $15 https://mennica-gdanska.pl/en/our-releases/7045-15-matrix-.html

Solarpunk – $5 – The Punk Universe https://mennica-gdanska.pl/en/our-releases/7046-5-solarpunk-the-punk-universe-.html