Below is a walk through the creative process and design elements of our Limited Edition Collectors Coin honoring The Loch Ness Monster.
Theme: The Loch Ness Monster
The Loch Ness Monster represents not only the mystery of a long lost species, but also a rich history of folklore and heritage. The approach to designing this coin was to include the creature itself along with elements of the culture and storytelling that carried the legend through generations to iconic status.
Concept Art: Once we pin down the theme of our coins, we create the concept art as a visual representation of the coin. This is adjusted until it is an accurate example of how we envision the coin.
3D Model: When the concept art is completed it is used to create a 3D model. This model goes through various adjustments to ensure that key features are not only visually accurate, but also to ensure that they meet technical specifications for the minting process.
Finished Coin: Upon final approval of the 3D model, a die is cut and used to strike the coins into solid heavy brass. This process is followed by a series of finishing procedures resulting in the finished high quality coins that we pride ourselves on at Icon Coins.
Design: Front
The “Heads” side of the coin features a high relief 3D landscape that includes the waters of Loch Ness split in the middle to show both above and below the waterline. The view above the surface shows the historic Grant Tower portion of Urquhart Castle located on the Loch Ness coast. Below the surface depicts the murky waters that shroud the elusive monster in mystery complete with silt covered terrain and visibility limiting vegetation. There are even the remains of an ill fated bagpiper who is surely the keeper of secrets. And of course, breaching the surface of the loch, is the legendary Loch Ness Monster!
Design: Back
The “Tails” side of the coin features The Loch Ness Monster moniker in a Stonecross font style over a Celtic Knot design and silhouette of Nessie. Surrounding these elements is the saying “Black as the Earl of Hell’s Waistcoat, Loch Ness is the Keeper of Secrets” in a Celtic Garamond font style.