The Roaring Lion of Judah launches a new silver bullion coin series from Niue Island

One of the growing number of silver bullion coins that have appeared through 2017, this first in a new series takes a popular natural history theme and mixes it up with some religion and history. Called the Roaring Lio of Judah, it takes an ancient Middle-Eastern symbol, one mentioned in the Bible and updates it with a striking new pose.

A dynamic look for an animal that is proving a popular bullion coin subject, it’s certainly a cool change from the more usual depiction of the lion. A fine concentric ring background, something becoming a regular feature on bullion coins in one form or another, is present on both faces. The reverse has plenty of great little touches, including the second half of the old Bible saying “Then you will know the truth, and the truth will set you free“.

Struck in four-nines (0.9999) silver, this one-ounce coin has a maximum mintage of 50,000 pieces and is issued for Niue Island. Sold in tubes of 20, or individually packaged in plastic slips, it’s available from a few dealers around the world, notably SD Bullion in the US and Aurinum in Germany. No doubt availability will improve soon.

2018 ROARING LION OF JUDAH SILVER BULLION COIN

DESCRIPTION

The Lion of Judah is the symbol of the Hebrew tribe of Judah (the Jewish tribe). According to the Torah, the tribe consists of the descendants of Judah, the fourth son of Jacob. The association between Judah and the lion, most likely the Asiatic lion, can first be found in the blessing given by Jacob to his son Judah in the Book of Genesis.

The Lion of Judah is also mentioned in the Book of Revelation, as a term representing Jesus, according to Christian theology. The lion of Judah was also one of the titles of the Ethiopian Emperor Haile Selassie and was depicted on the flag of Ethiopia from 1897-1974. Due to its association with Selassie, it continues to be an important symbol among members of the Rastafari movement.

REVERSE: depicts a majestic Roaring Lion burning with fire as he announces his presence to the world. The Aleph Tav Symbol underneath the beast’s feet reveals his Identity as the Lion of Judah: The strength of the Leader is the Sign of the Covenant. State of the Art Microengraving, visible under magnification with instruments such as a coin loupe, can be seen in the mane of The Roaring Lion. The engraving reads: “And the Truth Shall Set You Free”

OBVERSE: depicts an effigy of Queen Elizabeth II by Ian Rank-Broadley, surrounded by the year of mintage and the denomination.

SPECIFICATION

NAME 2018 ROARING LION OF JUDAH
DENOMINATION $2 New Zealand
COMPOSITION 0.999 silver
WEIGHT 31.103 grams
DIAMETER 39.00 mm
FINISH Brilliant uncirculated
MODIFICATIONS None
MINTAGE 50,000
BOX / COA No / No