+ECplus3 Posted December 8, 2009 Share Posted December 8, 2009 (edited) I had a lot of fun working on this coin, which I hope shows in the final product. It actually started off as a pathtag design almost a year ago for the 2009 CITO competition on that site. But I'm glad I saved this design for a full-size geocoin. That gave me the opportunity to really do it right. To me, one of the greatest parts of geocaching is the magnificent views that others want to share with me. I love caches in out of the way places -- even if I don't often get a chance to go looking for them. The coin will be 45mm (1.75") in diameter and 3.5mm thick. It will be trackable and have a unique icon. The front will have a photo screen printed onto an aluminum plate which will be glued into the recessed area on the coin. The plate will be lower than the top level to give a 3d effect. This side will be epoxy coated to protect the screen printing. On the back, the world map will be done in translucent enamels. There will likely be two finishes for this coin, but I will wait to have the samples in hand before making any decisions. There will also be multiple images printed: mountain, seaside, winter. Edited December 8, 2009 by E&Cplus3 Quote Link to comment
+ThePetersTrio Posted December 8, 2009 Share Posted December 8, 2009 Wow!! Very, very nicely done!! Can't wait to see this one as it progresses. Quote Link to comment
+Droo Posted December 8, 2009 Share Posted December 8, 2009 I like the concept of the design - looking over the cacher's shoulder at GPS and vista, the cacher's profile creating the frame. It encapsulates the appeal most cachers have to the game. But I'm not a fan of screened photos. Nice use of cache attribute icons on the reverse. Quote Link to comment
ELTADA Posted December 8, 2009 Share Posted December 8, 2009 I am a big fan of views when out caching as well (I have a few caches that I have placed specifically to give the seeker a chance to see something beautiful...in my opinion anyway!). So I will be interested to see how this one turns out -- curious. Quote Link to comment
+ThirstyMick Posted December 8, 2009 Share Posted December 8, 2009 I've stopped buying a lot of coins but I will definitely be needing one of these. You could not have picked a more spectacular spot on the planet to feature. To date, I have never seen anything more beautiful than the Valley of the Ten Peaks, a camera cannot capture its magnificence. I took so many futile photos attempting to. When I got up on top of the rocks and looked out at the reflection in Lake Moraine, my eyes started tearing up, I had to look away for a moment, then look back, trying to process what my eyes were taking in. It didn't look real.... I'm not exaggerating. And there's an earthcache there; Gardengorilla placed it! I might have missed this amazing spot, if not for a cointest I had before my trip where she advised me to go there (and I'm still so grateful for the tip) So it seems like this coin was made for me, lol. Quote Link to comment
+catsnfish Posted December 9, 2009 Share Posted December 9, 2009 Great design! i'll be keeping an eye on these Quote Link to comment
+gardengorilla Posted December 10, 2009 Share Posted December 10, 2009 (edited) Hey Chuck, where is that picture from? It looks like the view from my earth cache at Moraine Lake, Valley of Ten Peaks GC16PVR. Edited December 10, 2009 by gardengorilla Quote Link to comment
+ECplus3 Posted December 11, 2009 Author Share Posted December 11, 2009 Hey Chuck, where is that picture from? It looks like the view from my earth cache at Moraine Lake, Valley of Ten Peaks GC16PVR. That photo was taken by my uncle a few years ago when he took his family to Banff. He told me it was Lake Louise, but he could be mixed up I've used that photo as my wallpaper from time to time because it is a nice hi-res image of a spectacular scene. My uncle is a bit of a camera junkie -- he had a 5 megapixel camera when 2 was the norm. He now has a 21.1 megapixel monster!! I'll ask again to see if it is Lake Moraine and not Lake Louise, but the years may have muddled my old uncle's memories (he is 3 years older than me). Quote Link to comment
+millieballon Posted December 11, 2009 Share Posted December 11, 2009 I like this coin Indeed the views (although we have no mountains) can be worthwhile. Also like the worldmap. Caching can be done worldwide and this forum also adds to the out of your own country feeling. Quote Link to comment
+anne.and.eli Posted December 11, 2009 Share Posted December 11, 2009 I'm with Droo, in that I've never seen a screen print that looks good (to me). However, I love this idea, so I'll definitely be keeping an eye on this coin. Quote Link to comment
haysonics Posted December 12, 2009 Share Posted December 12, 2009 Wow. The graphics on both sides are sweet. I thought the photo was touched up until I read the comments. Double wow. The contrast between the minamilist style graphics and hi-res photo creates a great 3D effect. Really like the back as well. Quote Link to comment
+ECplus3 Posted December 14, 2009 Author Share Posted December 14, 2009 The comments about screen printings never quite turning out as well as you'd hope are well taken. I've asked the mint to prepare artwork for another version of the coin with the mountain scene done in 3d. I'll have a look at what they produce and then make a decision. This likely means that there won't be multiple scenes (although the cost of doing the die for that side of the coin is actually less than preparing the printing plate for the insert). Quote Link to comment
+gardengorilla Posted December 15, 2009 Share Posted December 15, 2009 Hey Chuck, where is that picture from? It looks like the view from my earth cache at Moraine Lake, Valley of Ten Peaks GC16PVR. That photo was taken by my uncle a few years ago when he took his family to Banff. He told me it was Lake Louise, but he could be mixed up I've used that photo as my wallpaper from time to time because it is a nice hi-res image of a spectacular scene. My uncle is a bit of a camera junkie -- he had a 5 megapixel camera when 2 was the norm. He now has a 21.1 megapixel monster!! I'll ask again to see if it is Lake Moraine and not Lake Louise, but the years may have muddled my old uncle's memories (he is 3 years older than me). Nope, that is for sure Valley of Ten Peaks. I've compared it to pics logged on my Earthcache and besides I recognize that tree in the foreground I'll want one of these for sure Chuck! Quote Link to comment
+Vanelle Posted December 15, 2009 Share Posted December 15, 2009 E&Cplus3, I like how the cacher frames the image - I have a feeling this will be one of the more successful coins with a photo insert. And the back design is just outstanding. Congratulations on a lovely project. Can't wait to see the sample photos. Quote Link to comment
+ECplus3 Posted December 21, 2009 Author Share Posted December 21, 2009 Here is the artwork for the 3d version. This will likely be a thick coin to get the mountain scene recessed the way I want it. They sent the artwork back with 3.5mm thickness but the 3d artwork raised above the level of the coin face. I would want the 3d portion to be recessed to preserve the depth of the scene and to keep the geocacher fixed in the foreground. And I definitely want this to be hard enamel, which couldn't be done with raised 3d artwork. Hopefully I can get away with 4mm but I'll have to wait to hear back from the mint. The back came out very nice I think. Can't wait to see it with the translucent enamels! Quote Link to comment
+anne.and.eli Posted December 21, 2009 Share Posted December 21, 2009 Oooh I admit I love the 3D version! However, I understand that it's more expensive and even with the photo it's a gorgeous enough coin that I would be interested. Remember you can't please everyone, so do what you want, don't worry about us screen print haters. Quote Link to comment
+The Moop Along Posted December 21, 2009 Share Posted December 21, 2009 I'm not sure what the problem is with offset printing. The coin that Eric K just released HERE has the map printed on the back under epoxy. And I can guarantee you that the result is exactly as submitted. TMA Quote Link to comment
+LionsLair Posted December 22, 2009 Share Posted December 22, 2009 The reflection in the lake (and the fact a lake exists) is lost for me in the 3d version... I like the idea of different scenes, however I'd like them better in colored hard enamels... just my .02 Quote Link to comment
+The Moop Along Posted December 22, 2009 Share Posted December 22, 2009 The reflection in the lake (and the fact a lake exists) is lost for me in the 3d version... I like the idea of different scenes, however I'd like them better in colored hard enamels... just my .02 I'm going out on a limb, but I have to assume if he plans to do the coin in IHE, he would cover the offset printing with epoxy. In which case, it would appear to be IHE across the whole shooting match. And still be able to change the die. I'll have to dig up the last pin I just did for a lady in Indiana. It was offset printed, and it was outstanding. TMA Quote Link to comment
+teamhaynes Posted December 22, 2009 Share Posted December 22, 2009 (edited) Hey Chuck, where is that picture from? It looks like the view from my earth cache at Moraine Lake, Valley of Ten Peaks GC16PVR. That photo was taken by my uncle a few years ago when he took his family to Banff. He told me it was Lake Louise, but he could be mixed up I've used that photo as my wallpaper from time to time because it is a nice hi-res image of a spectacular scene. My uncle is a bit of a camera junkie -- he had a 5 megapixel camera when 2 was the norm. He now has a 21.1 megapixel monster!! I'll ask again to see if it is Lake Moraine and not Lake Louise, but the years may have muddled my old uncle's memories (he is 3 years older than me). Nope, that is for sure Valley of Ten Peaks. I've compared it to pics logged on my Earthcache and besides I recognize that tree in the foreground I'll want one of these for sure Chuck! I agree its not Lake Louise.. (my wife and I honeymooned there 14 years ago) I found this image of lake morraine online and it seems similar to the one you have Edited December 22, 2009 by teamhaynes Quote Link to comment
+anne.and.eli Posted December 22, 2009 Share Posted December 22, 2009 (edited) I'm not sure what the problem is with offset printing. The coin that Eric K just released HERE has the map printed on the back under epoxy. And I can guarantee you that the result is exactly as submitted. TMA Indeed, I recognized that it was printed right away. It's just a personal preference, I don't like the way it looks. To me, if I wanted that effect, I'd glue pictures on the back of glass beads. Anyway, totally personal choice, obviously other people like them. I think the reason this particular coin interests me is because there are still metal/enamel bits on the frontside, so it looks less like the picture under a glass bead, and more like a coin. And as I said before, don't let a couple of dissenters deter you from the coin you want to make. Edited December 22, 2009 by anne.and.eli Quote Link to comment
+ECplus3 Posted January 18, 2010 Author Share Posted January 18, 2010 Samples are being made! I've decided to stick with my original plan and use a screen printed insert for the background scene. It is what I originally envisioned and it really does do a better job than the 3d version of showing the beauty of the lake and surrounding mountains. If I do decide to make this a series, then I imagine I would have had the same problem trying to render other scenes in 3d as well. Final artwork: I'll have samples to show in a few weeks. Quote Link to comment
+anne.and.eli Posted January 18, 2010 Share Posted January 18, 2010 Looks great. I look forward to seeing the samples! Quote Link to comment
+GeocoinGuy Posted February 11, 2010 Share Posted February 11, 2010 The screenprinted version looks better, Chuck - also I would recommend that the printed portion be epoxied if you haven't already done so. I love the picture, and yes, they can epoxy just that portion, as I have done partial epoxies on the 2009 Oregon. Very cool coin, Chuck. ~J Quote Link to comment
+ECplus3 Posted February 11, 2010 Author Share Posted February 11, 2010 Thanks Jim! I hadn't thought of epoxying just the screenprinted part. I'll have to ask them about that. The dies are being made now and should be done by Feb 25. I hopefully will have the samples by March 1st or 2nd. Quote Link to comment
+ECplus3 Posted March 4, 2010 Author Share Posted March 4, 2010 Samples were shipped today. I should have them in hand by Monday! Quote Link to comment
+pingos Posted March 4, 2010 Share Posted March 4, 2010 Samples were shipped today. I should have them in hand by Monday! I would like this coin. I have been there in 1985 a magnificent place Quote Link to comment
+pingos Posted March 4, 2010 Share Posted March 4, 2010 I would like this coin. I have been there in 1985 a magnificent place Quote Link to comment
+Labrador Wild Man Posted March 4, 2010 Share Posted March 4, 2010 Just looks great can not wait to get my hands on one to make a nice coin page Labrador Wild Man Quote Link to comment
+wolfslady Posted March 4, 2010 Share Posted March 4, 2010 This looks like it is going to be so beautiful. I think you made the right choice on the design. I wish I could get it, but my dance card is already overflowing. Maybe I'll win the lottery. Oh wait I'd have to buy a ticket. Quote Link to comment
+ECplus3 Posted March 9, 2010 Author Share Posted March 9, 2010 Antique Copper | Antique Silver Shiny Silver | Antique Gold Antique Bronze | Black Nickel It is going to be REALLY hard to decide which ones get minted, because I REALLY like them all!! Quote Link to comment
+ThePetersTrio Posted March 9, 2010 Share Posted March 9, 2010 Wow those came out great! Quote Link to comment
+Howlingmoon Posted March 9, 2010 Share Posted March 9, 2010 I really want one of the AC versions. Those are gorgeous! I can't wait. Quote Link to comment
+TeamEccs21 Posted March 9, 2010 Share Posted March 9, 2010 Great looking coins. I'm glad you went with the photo. May have to buy the whole set...whatever you decide a set will be Quote Link to comment
+River Cacher Posted March 9, 2010 Share Posted March 9, 2010 Looking Great!!! Hard choices ahead. Quote Link to comment
+pingos Posted March 9, 2010 Share Posted March 9, 2010 I like the Black Nickel Quote Link to comment
+pingos Posted March 9, 2010 Share Posted March 9, 2010 I like the Black Nickel Quote Link to comment
+GeocoinGuy Posted March 9, 2010 Share Posted March 9, 2010 I would dump the Shiny Silver and Black Nickel just for the simple fact that the textures are easier to depict from the Antiques. JMHO ~J Quote Link to comment
+ECplus3 Posted March 9, 2010 Author Share Posted March 9, 2010 I would dump the Shiny Silver and Black Nickel just for the simple fact that the textures are easier to depict from the Antiques. JMHO ~J It's actually quite easy to pick out detail on both of these. The texture on the lowest layer gives it almost a matte look. The antique gold turned out so dark that there isn't much difference between it and the black nickel. The BN is actually 2-tone, since the translucent enamel was applied over the lighter base metal and the BN finish applied afterwards. The map is nice and bright against the surrounding black. I'm leaning towards four finishes: Antique Copper, Antique Silver, Antique Bronze, and Black Nickel. Quote Link to comment
+ThirstyMick Posted March 9, 2010 Share Posted March 9, 2010 Wow, those turned out awesome Anybody want to trade for my personal? I haven't bought a coin in awhile, but if no one wants to trade, I'll be buying one. Well actually, i may need to buy a pile of em either way. Really really great job on these, and I <3 the valley of the 10 peaks Quote Link to comment
+Shadow's Friend Posted March 10, 2010 Share Posted March 10, 2010 Beautiful coins!!! I hope to get one, two or a set Quote Link to comment
+Vanelle Posted March 10, 2010 Share Posted March 10, 2010 Really well done. Beautiful. Quote Link to comment
+The Amigos Posted March 10, 2010 Share Posted March 10, 2010 Can't wait for these. Very nicely done! Since I'm a diver, I love that you included a Diver on the coin! Quote Link to comment
+kini_ont Posted March 10, 2010 Share Posted March 10, 2010 Great coin gonna be hard to pick one just may have to get a set Quote Link to comment
haysonics Posted March 10, 2010 Share Posted March 10, 2010 Yep, seems it'll be a set. Back to eating dog food for a week Quote Link to comment
+ECplus3 Posted March 10, 2010 Author Share Posted March 10, 2010 Can't wait for these. Very nicely done! Since I'm a diver, I love that you included a Diver on the coin! I used to dive too. Dove the Great Barrier Reef, but mostly North Atlantic. Just got tired of diving in near-freezing water in July! Must be much more comfortable to dive in the Gulf of Mexico! I am hoping to vacation in the Dutch Antilles someday and spend the whole time underwater! Quote Link to comment
+anne.and.eli Posted March 10, 2010 Share Posted March 10, 2010 I love the backs of these!! Great coin, it came out really nicely. (Even with the photo on the front ) Quote Link to comment
+ECplus3 Posted March 10, 2010 Author Share Posted March 10, 2010 (edited) I will be minting four different finishes for sale. There will be three RE finishes, and one LE finish. The LE finish will only be available as part of a set of four. The coins will be available for pre-order starting March 12th at 8:00 AM AST (GMT-4) and will last until March 26th at midnight AST. No invoices will be sent out until the coins have been delivered and inspected from the mint! Once the coins have passed inspection, invoices will be sent out via Paypal. Here are the specifics for the finishes available: Discover Your World Valley of the Ten Peaks Size: 45mm (1.75") x 3.5mm thick Trackable with Custom icon Front features screen-printed insert and hard enamel covered in epoxy. Back features multiple layers covered in translucent enamel. Regular editions: Antique Copper Antique Silver Antique Bronze Limited edition: Black Nickel All coins are $12.00 in Canadian funds, plus shipping. The four coin set will be $45.00, plus shipping. Exact shipping costs will be calculated before you confirm your order. The pre-order will be done through my website: http://phdcoins.ca The coins are on the site now (though you are unable to add them to your cart) if you want to have a look around or create an account. Edited March 10, 2010 by E&Cplus3 Quote Link to comment
Recommended Posts
Join the conversation
You can post now and register later. If you have an account, sign in now to post with your account.
Note: Your post will require moderator approval before it will be visible.