Iconic Egyptian scarab symbolism celebrated on striking liimited box sets of silver coins from CIT
A surprise release at this months ANA show was a second set of Scarab coins from Coin Invest Trust. Following on from a debut set released at the World Money Fair in Berlin back in late January, we never covered that one in any detail so now seems a good time to look at both. It isn’t often that CIT issue sets of any sort, but it’s especially uncommon to see a themed series of them at this level of quality.
Each set comprises three coins of identical specification and theme, but different design and finish. The theme here is the Egyptian scarab beetle so inextricably linked with one of the most visually extravagant civilisations in history. Scarabs were the most popular amulets in Ancient Egypt and survive in relatively large numbers today. Connected to the Egyptian god Khepri, they were popular by the early Middle Kingdom (approx. 2000 BCE) and remained so for the rest of the pharaonic period and beyond. In modern popular culture they’re still firmly associated with Ancient Egypt.
This set, like the first, is relatively simple, but quite classy in design. Each coin features a flowing, almost like a rounded tribal-style pattern which carries through onto the obverse. In the centre of the reverse face sits an ultra high relief beetle variant, each one different. Other than an inscription with the coin name on it, the face is exceptionally clean and artistic. Likewise the obverse features a small coin-within-a-coin design that holds the effigy of Queen Elizabeth II (the coin is issued for the Cook Islands) surrounded by the usual inscriptions.
The big difference between each of the six coins released to date lies with the finish. In the first set are black proof (gilded beetle), rose-gilded (black rhodinated beetle) and fully gilded coins. Set two adds gilded (clean beetle), silver (rose gilded beetle) and full black proof coins. One coin in each set has a Swarovski crystal embedded in the top-centre of the reverse face. In the first set it is Red Dawn, in the second, Lunar Eclipse, each coin having an elegant name of its own.
Each three coin set has a maximum mintage of just 499 pieces and is beautifully presented in a custom box and outer shipper. A certificate of authenticity is included of course. Either of these elegant sets sells for around €330/£290 with the first set available now and the second shipping in October. Again, several of our sponsors sell these so click away if you want one.
2017 SCARAB SELECTION SERIES II
MINTS DESCRIPTION
S2 – A new three-coin set will complement the elegant and exclusive Scarab Selection introduced in early 2017. Once again limited to 499 sets, the new collection showcases three high-relief beetles in an array of unique surface finishes, presented in a gorgeous collector’s case.
«Beyond the World», a silver scarab on a gilded background introduces the set. Next in line is a black proof scarab holding a dark Swarovski® crystal reminiscent of a «Lunar Eclipse». Completing the second Scarab Selection is a rosegold scarab shining like a «Solitary Flame» on a silver surface.
S1 – Sometimes finding outstanding coins among the myriad of yearly releases can be a daunting process. Not so with CIT’s new high-end «Scarab Selection». The set of three coins, each featuring a unique, high-relief scarab beetle presents a sublime selection of masterfully minted coins that any collector with a distinguished taste will immediately appreciate.
Spearheading the selection is «Black Kingdom» which displays a gleaming gilded scarab on a black proof mirror surface. «Red Dawn» showcases a black-rhodium plated ancient Eqyptian scarab on a rose-gold canvas holding up the rising sun in the shape of a SWAROVSKI® crystal. Winding up the set is «Desert Heat», a completely gilded coin representing the flaming sun.
All coins are struck with smartminting© technology, dispalying the beetles in exquisitve detail and realism. The first «Scarab Selection», presented in a noble collector’s case, is limited to 499 extraordinary sets.
The mythical designs of the coins date back thousands of years. Scarab beetles have variously symbolized good fortune, life and rebirth, they were worn as protective amulets or presented as charms and religious gifts.
2017 SCARAB SELECTION SERIES I
SCARAB BEETLE
Scarabs were the most popular amulets in Ancient Egypt. They survive in large numbers and, through their inscriptions and typology, they are an important source of information for archeologists and historians of the ancient world. They also represent a significant body of ancient art.
For reasons that are not clear (although no doubt connected to the religious significance of the Egyptian god Khepri), amulets in the form of scarab beetles had become enormously popular in Ancient Egypt by the early Middle Kingdom (approx. 2000 BCE) and remained popular for the rest of the pharaonic period and beyond. During that long period the function of scarabs repeatedly changed. Primarily amulets, they were also inscribed for use as personal or administrative seals or were incorporated into jewelry. Some scarabs were apparently created for political or diplomatic purposes to commemorate or advertise royal achievements. By the early New Kingdom heart scarabs had become part of the battery of amulets protecting mummies. (Source: Wikipedia)
SPECIFICATION
| NAME | 2017 SCARAB SELECTION (spec per coin) |
| DENOMINATION | $5 Cook Islands |
| COMPOSITION | 0.999 silver |
| WEIGHT | 31.1 grams |
| DIAMETER | 38.61 mm |
| FINISH | Various types of plating |
| MODIFICATIONS | SmartMinting high-relief |
| MINTAGE | 499 per set |
| BOX / COA | Yes / Yes |
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