Medal - Disney Princess Pocahontas Souvenir Medal/Fantasy

Historical Context: Issued in 2020 by New Zealand, this souvenir medal exemplifies a modern trend in numismatic collecting: licensed fantasy issues. While not legal tender, it capitalizes on the enduring global appeal of Disney's Princess franchise, specifically Pocahontas. Its release reflects a strategic commercial endeavor to engage collectors beyond traditional sovereign coinage, offering a tangible connection to popular culture. This era sees a proliferation of such commemorative medals, catering to niche markets and expanding the definition of collectible numismatic items, often produced by private mints under license.

Artistry: The design adheres strictly to the established Disney animation style, a globally recognizable commercial art form. Lacking an individual engraver's mark, the artistry is attributed to the collective design team responsible for the Disney Princess brand, ensuring stylistic consistency. The obverse is expected to feature a stylized depiction of Pocahontas, capturing her iconic features and costume details with precision typical of licensed merchandise. The reverse would likely present a complementary motif or the issuer's details, maintaining thematic consistency and brand identity.

Technical/Grading: Struck on a substantial 40mm planchet weighing 28 grams, this steel medal is silver-plated, a common production method for affordable commemorative issues. Collectors should examine the high-points of Pocahontas's hair, facial features, and any intricate costume elements for signs of wear or plating loss. The strike quality is generally expected to be sharp, characteristic of modern commercial minting, though minor surface imperfections or plating inconsistencies can occur. Preservation of the silver plating is crucial for its aesthetic and collectible value.