Dark Sky, Light Sky
2x 1oz Silver Proof Coins
Two complementary coins showing contrasting night skies.
Features Wairarapa Dark Sky Reserve and Southern Lights.
Project Overview
The Wairarapa Dark Sky Reserve was officially recognised in 2023 by the International Dark Sky Association and is one of only four dark sky reserves in New Zealand. As one of just 20 internationally recognised reserves worldwide, the region is celebrated for its exceptional views of the Southern Hemisphere night sky.
This commemorative coin project was created to celebrate the natural beauty of Aotearoa’s skies and the cultural and environmental importance of preserving dark sky spaces.
Design Approach
Coins are a unique design medium with a long production history and strong traditional conventions. For this project, I wanted to create something that felt contemporary while still embracing classic coin-making techniques such as high and low relief.
A key challenge was balancing the technical constraints of coin manufacturing with the desire to create something visually modern and immersive.
Using photographs and landscapes local to the Aotearoa as reference, I illustrated layered foreground scenery to create depth and dimension once manufactured. Silver metal and high relief were used to map the landscape details and contrast against the rich colours of the skies.
Visual Direction
The night sky was designed to be the focal point of the coin - colourful, immersive, and visually striking. It was important to incorporate real photography to authentically capture the natural beauty of Aotearoa’s skies, rather than relying on a purely illustrative interpretation.
I sourced imagery from two New Zealand photographers, one amateur and one professional, as an intentional reflection of how these landscapes and celestial events can be experienced and captured by anyone.
Technical Features
To further elevate the collectability of the coins, I collaborated with the mint to incorporate fluorescent ink into the aurora and star details. Under UV light, these elements glow, adding an interactive layer to the final piece while showcasing contemporary minting technology within a traditionally crafted product.
Outcome
The final coins combine traditional minting craftsmanship with contemporary visual storytelling, celebrating both the beauty of New Zealand’s night skies and the significance of the Wairarapa Dark Sky Reserve.
The project allowed me to explore the intersection of physical product design, illustration, photography, and manufacturing processes while developing a collectible product designed to feel both modern and distinctly connected to Aotearoa.
