The Mythical Sea
Creatures Series
concludes with the most fearsome aquatic creature of them all, the Sea
Serpent! Struck in high relief in 2 full troy ounces of pure silver,
and enhanced with digital color, make this "wee beastie" (as the Scots
call Nessie) yours today!
The Mythical Sea Creatures Series concludes with the
dreaded Sea
Serpent! Sea Serpents have been known to, and terrorized, mariners
since the dawn of history, and it's easy to see why! This ocean-going
bad boy brooks no challenge, whether from whales, giant squid, or
trireme galleys of Ancient Greece. All fall prey to this mammoth marine
menace. In fact, a whole host of specifically named Sea Serpents
populated the Mediterranean during the classic Greek period, including
Hydra, Scylla, Cetus, and Echidna.
Many other ancient people reported Sea Serpents as well.
Ancient
Mesopotamia lived in fear of Tiamat, while numerous Sea Serpents can be
found in the Hebrew Bible (Old Testament), including Leviathan, the
largest of them all. Not to be outdone, Homer writes of a Sea Serpent
that emerges from off the coast of Troy and consumes Laocoon and his
sons, silencing their argument against bringing the Trojan Horse inside
the city's walls. And, as they say, the rest is history. In the middle
ages, Viking sailors kept a wary lookout for Sea Serpents, the largest
of which was known as Jormungandr.
Of course, we'd be remiss not to mention the most famous Sea Serpent of
them all, the Loch Ness Monster. Reported to live in the long and deep
Scottish loch, Nessie, as she is affectionately known, was first
mentioned in the Dark Ages chronicle The Life of St. Columba.
Believers theorize that a relict population of Plesiosaurs survived
from the Cretaceous Period, the age of dinosaurs, more than 65 million
years ago. Who knows—the coelocanth was believed to have gone
extinct 66 million years ago, until being rediscovered in the Indian
Ocean in 1938. Nessie plays a crucial role in The Police's 1983 hit
"Synchronicity II", which we hope most sincerely you have not forgotten.
North America lays claim to a small number of Sea Serpents, the best
known being perhaps Memphré, who reputedly resides in Lake
Memphremagog, which straddles the Vermont (US) Québec
(Canada)
border. Does this give Memphré dual citizenship?
Perfect for portraying such a belligerent behemoth, this large, 2 troy
ounce pure silver proof is a
true
numismatic work of art! Utilizing the entire 55 mm planchet from
edge
to edge, a striking Sea Serpent emerges from the roiling waters,
depicted in stunning hues.
The swirling colors and intricate engraving depict this marine monster
at its most menacing. Our advice is simple—capture this
creature
and make it yours today.
Special Nautical Reverse
The special reverse, unique to the Mythical Sea Creatures
series, is almost as intriguing (but not quite).
Surrounding the public seal of Niue is the round helm (wheel for
steering) of a sailing ship. Fantastical sea creatures inhabit the
spaces between the spokes:
Giant Squid (perhaps the origin of the Kraken
myths)
Sirens, helmeted, with flowing hair and trident
Flying Lionfish
Giant Crab
The nautical theme is completed by the cresting wave motif encircling
near the rim.
Obverse
A full-planchet portrayal of a terrifying Sea Serpent, enhanced by full
digital color. The legend SEA SERPENT
defines the theme.
Reverse
Please see description just above. In the Niuean coat of arms, the
slogan
ATUA NIUE TUKULAGI translates as "God, Niue Forever". The date of issue
and
denomination also appear, while the legend 2 OZ 999 SILVER guarantees
the weight and purity.
Packaging
The coin is encapsulated
inside a
luxurious wooden clamshell-style presentation case, lined with black
velvet
and satin, and protected by a full color outer cardboard box. An
individually-numbered certificate of authenticity is included.
The image of the
back side of the certificate is a mint-supplied image intended for
general reference only. The serial
number in the image is NOT indicative of the serial number you will
receive!
Specifications
Country |
Niue |
Year
of Issue |
2024 |
|
|
Face
Value |
Five
Dollars |
Weight |
62.27
g |
Diameter |
55.00
mm |
Mintage
Limit |
750 |
|
|
Finish |
Proof
with High Relief and Color |
Composition |
.999
Fine (Pure) Silver |
Edge |
Reeded
(milled, serrated) |
|
|
Certificate |
Individually Numbered |
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Talisman World Coins and Medals. All Rights
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