The portrait of Vincent van Gogh’s homeographic doctor Dr. Gachet is one of the most valuable and revered art that the artist has ever done. Completed only 6 weeks before his death, it was closely intertwined with that stage of his life where he struggled with mental health issues. Vincent had stayed with Dr. Gachet upon his release from the asylum, and it was then that this art piece was completed.
In the second coin in the Vincent van Gogh series, the engravings and textures of Dr. Gachet’s profile is designed to closely reflect the signature brushstroke techniques that Vincent employed on his painting. Delivered in high-relief, a 3D and life-like image of Dr. Gachet is presented vividly. Every detail matches the actual painting, down to the profound expression on the doctor’s face that Vincent had described as “sensitive” and “melancholy”. His droopy eyes accentuated his tiredness, and seemed almost reflective of van Gogh’s own melancholy. On the obverse, one of Vincent’s final letters to his brother, Theo, is engraved with a small etching of the Portrait of Dr. Gachet in the corner.
On a canvas of 110x145mm, a new minting technique called “Bi-Metal Max” was applied to give this piece its remarkable weight while keeping its proportions true to the actual painting. This is made possible by combining 33.5 oz of copper as a base with a top layer of 2 oz of 999 fine-silver, resulting in a super ultra-high relief topped with silver antiqued finishing.
Additional Info
Year | 2021 |
Metal Content | 2 oz Silver & 33.5 oz Copper |
Denomination | 10000 Franc |
Purity | 999 |
Condition | Antique |
Country | Republic of Chad |
Mintage | 500 |
Diameter (mm) | 110 x 145 |
Series | Vincent Van Gogh |
Box & Certificate | With box |