The 40th anniversary of the iconic video game Space Invaders was recently commemorated on a one-ounce silver coin issued by the New Zealand Mint.
Following its release in June 1978 by the Taito Corporation, Space Invaders gained widespread acclaim after being added to arcades around the world. Before this time, video games were regarded as a fledgling niche industry; however, the popularity of the two-dimensional shooter, which invited players to fight off increasingly agile alien invaders, increased the hobby’s trendiness internationally.
The coin’s reverse design features a lenticular printing of the aliens from Space Invaders, which move when the coin is tilted. The words “SPACE INVADERS” are around the top of the coin while the bottom of the coin reads “1 oz 999 FINE SILVER © TAITO CORP. 1978, 2018.”
The obverse features the Ian Rank-Broadley effigy of Queen Elizabeth II alongside the issuing country “NIUE,” the denomination “TWO DOLLARS,” the year-date “2018” and “ELIZABETH II.”
The coin is housed inside a specially designed box that replicates the game’s original arcade cabinet. This box carries the numbered certificate of authenticity on its base. Lifting the “cabinet” off is base reveals the coin cushioned in black felt.
SPACE INVADERS
Created by Tomohiro Nishikado, Space Invaders is one of the earliest video games released and viewed as a pioneer of modern gaming. The objective of the game is for the player to earn as many points as possible by using a laser cannon to shoot aliens and prevent them from “invading.” It has been remade on numerous platforms, spawned many sequels and is considered one of the most successful games of all time.
Officially licensed by Taito Corporation, the coin contains one troy ounce of .999 Fine silver and comes in a Proof finish. There’s a diameter of 40 millimetres, a denomination of $2 and a limited mintage of 3,000 pieces.
Due to popular demand, the coin is temporarily out of stock. The final production run will be available to order later this month.
For more information, visit the New Zealand Mint website.