Quick answer
Choose Gladius Lamina if you want an affordable ancient-silver piece from the Damokles project, pick Tales Coin for solid copper with a two-character design, and treat Black Shard as a display-only reference since it is permanently sold out.
Availability changes the comparison before finish does
Black Shard is permanently sold out in both the US fulfillment center and the personal collection, so it is not a realistic purchase target in 2026. That leaves Gladius Lamina and Tales Coin as the two coins you can actually plan a collection around, while Black Shard serves as a benchmark for what the Monolith series looks like.
Finish and material set the tone of each coin
Gladius Lamina uses an Ancient Silver Finish, which gives it a muted, aged look that suits the Damokles sword theme. Tales Coin is made of solid copper, a warmer metal that develops its own character over time. Black Shard uses Black Nickel, a darker finish that stands out in a display but is only available on the secondary market.
Design themes serve different display goals
Gladius Lamina is a fragment of the looming sword from the Damokles project, so it works best as part of a themed set. Tales Coin features the Classic Princess on one side and the Charming Prince on the other, making it a standalone storytelling piece. Black Shard is the first coin of Monolith, a series start that appeals to completists who already own later releases.
Trade-offs to weigh
- Gladius Lamina: affordability vs. series dependency: At USD 17.50 (compared to USD 25.00), it is the lowest-cost entry point, but its design is a fragment of the Damokles sword, so it feels most complete when displayed with related pieces. Check whether you already own or plan to buy other Damokles items before committing.
- Tales Coin: copper character vs. thematic isolation: Solid copper gives it a warm, evolving finish and the two-sided princess/prince design stands alone, but it does not connect to the sword or monolith themes. Choose it if you want a self-contained coin rather than a series piece.
- Black Shard: dark finish vs. zero availability: Black Nickel and its status as the first Monolith coin make it desirable, but it is permanently sold out, so any acquisition means the secondary market with no guarantee of condition or price. Set a firm budget and authentication check if you pursue one outside Thirdway.
Product facts
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Gladius Lamina: Ancient Silver Finish, 2-inch size, made by Coins for Anything. The aged silver look and standard 2-inch format make it easy to pair with other Damokles collectibles.
Gladius Lamina
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Black Shard: Permanently sold out in the US fulfillment center and personal collection. You cannot buy it directly, so treat it as a reference for the Monolith series rather than a purchase option.
Black Shard
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Tales Coin: Solid copper, 2-inch size, with Classic Princess and Charming Prince designs. The copper material and two-character artwork give it a distinct identity separate from the sword-themed coins.
Which coin fits your collection?
Best for
- Collectors building a Damokles-themed set who want an affordable ancient-silver piece
- Buyers who prefer a self-contained copper coin with a classic character design
- Display-focused collectors who want a 2-inch coin that matches standard cases
Not for
- Anyone who wants a ready-to-buy Monolith coin, since Black Shard is permanently sold out
- Collectors who dislike series-dependent designs and prefer standalone pieces
- Buyers who need a specific metal finish not offered by the available coins
