2016-05-25 Wed

Mint of Poland has issued the Martian Meteorite NWA 6963 Niue legal tender coin in two sizes. The $1, 1 oz. silver coin has a mintage limit of 500 pieces, and the $50, silver kilo coin has a mintage limit 99. The coins are struck in high relief with handmade antique silver finish.

The coin features a colour image of Mars and rock formations that the planet is known for. They also include fragments of a meteorite named NWA 6963, which was ejected from Mars by the impact of an asteroid or comet and finally landed on the Earth. From 2011 to 2012, a total mass of 8-10 kg of Meteorite NWA 6963 was discovered by local meteorite hunters.

Mars is the second-smallest planet in the solar system and is known as god of war. The reddish appearance of the planet comes from its iron oxide content. Mars also experiences seasons caused due to tilts just like earth. 3.4 billion years ago, a large asteroid-collision led to tsunamis that covered almost the entire planet with water that has been frozen in the years since then.

The 1 oz coin is priced at $219.90, and the kilo coin, at $2,749.90. Special discounts can be availed upon purchasing a certain number of coins.