This masterfully executed collection of coins is based upon the most
famous of Ancient Egyptian myths: The Story of Osiris. The collection
consists of artful and deftly minted representations of the five deities
central to this epic tale.
Design
The coin designs of this collection feature original artwork inspired
by authentic, ancient examples, and include both figural and sculptural
images of each god or goddess. A cartouche encircling the hieroglyphic
form of the deity’s name complements each design, along with traditional
decorative borders. The precise application of rich, enamel-like colour
brings to mind the jewel-like pigments favoured by the ancients.
OSIRIS is the God of the Afterlife. He ruled over
the netherworld where the dead were made to stand in judgment before a
divine tribunal. Those who were judged as having lived just and virtuous
lives were granted admittance to the kingdom of Osiris where they would
enjoy eternal life. Those who failed to live honourable lives were
condemned to punishment, and ultimately, total destruction.
ISIS is the Goddess of Magic and Fertility, as well
as the wife of Osiris and mother of Horus. Her beauty, strength and
devotion, and mastery of the magical arts helped her to ultimately
become the feminine ideal of the Egyptians. So popular was Isis that,
with the rise of the Roman Empire, her cult quickly spread throughout
the Mediterranean world.
HORUS is the son of Osiris and Isis and was known as
the God of the Sky. As the sky he was believed to contain both the sun
and moon, with the sun residing in his right eye and the moon in his
left. The sun and moon were thought to cross the sky when Horus was in
flight in the form of a falcon.
SET is the God of Chaos. His prevailing role in the
Osirian myth is that of the main adversary who is ultimately bested by
Osiris' son Horus and driven back into the desert over which he holds
dominion. Indeed, he was the divine personification of desert storms and
destruction. Prior to the unification of the two regions of Egypt, Set
was revered as the god of Upper Egypt while Horus ruled Lower Egypt.
NEPHTHYS is the benevolent Goddess of Mourning and
the wife of Set. Her role in the Osirian myth is primarily in providing
assistance to Isis in gathering scattered pieces of Osiris and mourning
him in the funerary rites. She is also described as the 'nursing-mother'
of Horus, while Isis is the 'birth-mother.'
These coins are not available in singles. Only available as a set of 5 coins..
Packaging
2013 Niue $2 Mythologies of the World: The Story of Osiris Silver
5-Coin Set comes encapsulated in clamshell case and Certificate of
Authenticity.
Specifications
Face Value: $2
Mintage: 3,000
Composition: 99.9% Silver
Weight (g): 25
Diameter (mm): 38.61
Finish: Proof
Please view the picture for the actual item you will receive shown exactly in the photo.
Canadian customers must add 5% GST (13-15% HST) where applicable.
Customers within British Columbia must add 7% PST.
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