This impressive 2020 Alderney Three Graces 10 oz Silver Proof First Strike coin is #36 of a total mintage of 50!!! With a legal tender face value of 50 pounds, this coin depicts the three graces, which symbolize beauty, charm, and creativity.
The inspiration for the Three Graces theme originated with Greek mythology and represented the three daughters of Zeus, the quintessential GOD ruling over all others from Mount Olympus. Given their endowment of special powers, the daughters were deemed capable of bestowing particular attributes upon morals. These included 'mirth' from Euphrosyne, elegance from Aglaia, and beauty from Thalia.
In an act of artistic genius, in 1817 the young William Wyon, working in the shadow of the legendary coin designer Benedetto Pistrucci. Despite such proximity to established artistic greatness, Wyons coupled his deep-seated affinity for Greek mythology with his resonance for Rome's Antonio Canova's sculptural rendition of the Three Graces. These provocative influences led Wyons to imagine a contemporary innovation of a neoclassical design for The Three Graces, a project which he personally financed.
Wyons ultimately forged his preoccupation with the classical mythological world with that of the contemporary 'Act of Union of 1801', which brought national equality between Great Britain and Ireland, and eventually with the addition of Scotland, the Three Graces came to signify the converging confluence of these three great nations into one; the United Kingdom; UK).
Notwithstanding that a mere 50 pattern coins (i.e., sample specimens) were produced and never became coinage for general circulation, Wyon's creation illuminated his considerable gifts and attributes as an artistic innovator. Further, extraordinary talent was recognized and The Three Graces design would henceforth become pervasively acknowledged as among the most iconic numismatic designs ever created for the Royal Mint, and anywhere for that matter.
Eventually, Wales would be added, thereby inspiring yet another rendition of the daughters of Zeus; this time designed by Royal Mint designer Jody Clark; The Four Graces. This most recent nuance of 'The Daughters' first appeared in 2022, and was cleverly translated into the cardinal attributes of Queen Elizabeth II:
1. Devotion
2. Strength
3. Wisdom
4. Leadership
This coin honors the timeless design of the Three Graces and is a must-have for the serious coin collector.
The composition of this coin is .999 silver and it has been graded by PCGS at a perfect PR 70 and with a certification number of 43016478.
This coin was minted in the United Kingdom at the prestigious Commonwealth Mint, the largest privately owned mint in the UK. The obverse side is of Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth II and the reverse side features the Three Graces. This piece is a great investment opportunity and a timeless addition to any collection.