Hafnium medal by Metallium, Inc. Photo used by permission.
Diameter 19 mm, 5.5 grams, 99.7% pure. $32 on 9/2/2006.
Hafnium is a dense, fairly expensive metal. There are no coins on Earth made of hafnium. But on the planet Vulcan, such coins have been made for millenia.
"Minted in honor of the peacemaker Surak, this 6.4 gram pure hafnium octagonal coin is not a token of ordinary commerce, but a symbolic piece used to pay a 'blood price' in lieu of ritual combat in modern Vulcan society." (shirepost.com)
I have no idea how this one found its way to Earth, but I do know that it is unique. Blood of S'urak coins are traditionally anodized the exact green color of Vulcan blood. Only 12 of these exist. But this one somehow escaped the anodizing bath, allowing the natural hafnium color to be seen.
This is my favorite element coin to date. Many thanks to Will Whitfoot of the Shire Post for making it available! Alas, as of this writing in December 2009 his store seems to be closed.
Hafnium medal by Metallium, Inc. Photo used by permission.
Diameter 19 mm, 5.5 grams, 99.7% pure. $32 on 9/2/2006.