Cameroon – 2025 – 500 Francs – Little Dancer of Fourteen Years (AI•NIME Art series series) 1/2oz silver

Description

Click to see the full AI•NIME Art series series series

PopCoins® proudly extends the AI•NIME Art Masterpieces series with a unique reinterpretation of Edgar Degas’ celebrated Little Dancer of Fourteen Years. This release transforms the iconic sculpture into an expressive anime style portrait, blending graceful realism with vibrant manga aesthetics. Minted in ½ oz of pure silver at 40 mm, the coin features exceptional full color printing that brings the young dancer’s poise and delicate charm to life in a stunning new way. Strictly limited to just 99 pieces worldwide, this collectible offers a captivating union of classical art and modern creativity. Available now through select distributors worldwide. Secure your anime styled Little Dancer today.

Coin description

In the center of the reverse, within an intricately minted wooden-frame motif, is a vivid, full-color anime interpretation of the Little Dancer of Fourteen Years statue by Edgar Degas, captured in remarkable detail. Elegantly positioned on either side of the frame are the inscriptions “AI•NIME Art” and “Masterpieces,” highlighting the name of the series. Surrounding the central framed artwork are beautifully stylized abstract elements, artistically arranged to complement and enhance the central image, giving the coin a distinctive modern yet classical appearance.

The obverse side of the coin depicts the unique Coat of Arms for Cameroon. On the right side, an anime-style girl is shown painting on a canvas, surrounded by a field of flowers. The coat of arms has the inscriptions: “REPUBLIQUE DU CAMEROUN” (country of issue), “2025” (the year of issue), 1/2oz .999 fine silver (the weight), and “500 FRANCS CFA” (the face value).

Background information

Anime originated in early 20th-century Japan and evolved into a distinct animation style known for its expressive characters, vibrant visuals, and imaginative storytelling. Influenced by manga and traditional Japanese art, anime spans genres from action and romance to sci-fi and fantasy. Its unique aesthetic—featuring large eyes, dynamic expressions, and stylized motion—has captivated audiences worldwide, making it a powerful cultural export and creative medium with global influence.

Little Dancer of Fourteen Years, created by Edgar Degas in 1881, is one of the most iconic sculptures of the Impressionist era. Modeled after a young ballet student from the Paris Opera Ballet, the work captures the discipline, fragility, and determination of a dancer in training. Degas combined wax, fabric, and even a real tutu and ribbon to create a lifelike presence that challenged traditional sculpture. Although initially controversial for its realism, the piece became celebrated for its innovative use of materials and its intimate portrayal of a young performer on the threshold of artistry. Today, it remains a powerful symbol of ambition, perseverance, and the beauty of movement.