A global innovation when launched almost a decade ago, our 25 euro niobium coins still combine state-of-the-art numismatic design, technology and aesthetic beauty like few others.

Every year since 2003 their silver outer ring and coloured niobium ‘pill’, which is attained by oxidation as opposed to the application of artificial colour, have provided the perfect backdrop for exploring suitably technological themes, from astronomy to aviation, robotics to renewable energy and electric light to television.

Bionik, our exquisite purple 2012 addition to the series, illustrates how evolution in the natural world acts as a prototype for technology. As well as being an ideal gift, Bionik will no doubt prove extremely popular with both collectors and investors just like its predecessors, some of which are already sold out.

To avoid disappointment we recommend that you purchase yours while stocks last.


Eye-catching, innovative and informative, it is small wonder that these numismatic marvels have proved so popular as gifts as well as with collectors and investors. In fact, in the nine years since we first launched them several in the nine-coin niobium series have sold out.

They are, however, available in the thriving secondary market, where collectors avidly seek and trade them, sometimes for several times their 25-euro face value. Coin collecting makes sense for so many reasons. It is great fun and highly informative, both a fascinating and satisfying hobby, and it can also be highly rewarding financially.

Our niobium series is proof that coins are so much more than things of beauty. So why not order one or more of those still left in stock. We think you’ll appreciate it. It will no doubt appreciate in value for you too.


Although it is as common as lead and even present in the human body, niobium was only discovered at the beginning of the 19th century. A resistant metal with extremely high chemical stability, it can be rolled and forged at room temperature, which in part explains why niobium is increasingly popular as a component in the manufacture of jewellery.

As eye-catching, innovative and informative as its predecessors, Bionik, the exquisite purple 2012 addition to our 25 euro silver niobium series, illustrates how evolution in the natural world, such as the water-repellent properties of a shark’s skin and of the lotus flower, act as a prototype for technology.

Another of niobium’s facets is that colour does not to be applied to it. Instead, through ‘anodized oxidation’, the method first applied to coins by the Austrian Mint, a thin oxide layer is produced on the coin surface and subsequent light refraction enables different colours to arise.

Some imitators have tried to reproduce this effect by adding colour but it only damages the transparency and brilliance of the metal surface. Don’t be fooled.

Evolutionary pressure typically forces living organisms to become highly optimised and efficient. A prime example is the water-repellent nature of the lotus flower and of shark skin, a phenomenon fundamental in the development of paint. By the same token, the chambered shell of the nautilus has influenced architectural design and the mechanics of bird flight have clearly inspired aviation.

All four of these examples feature on the coin’s obverse, while its reverse focuses on the use of bionics in architecture. A radiolarian, the plankton that inspired Spanish modernist architect Antoni Gaudí, is depicted in the foreground, while the reverse’s background shows an interior view of Munich’s Olympic Stadium, the roof of which was based on findings in bionics.

With a maximum mintage of 65,000 pieces in Special Uncirculated quality only, the coin contains 9 grammes of 900 fine silver in its outer ring nearly 7 grammes of 998 pure niobium. Each coin is encapsulated, boxed and comes complete with a numbered certificate guaranteeing its authenticity.