Ther’s definitely been a change in the speed that the New Zealand Mint releases coins in its many non-licenced series. We’re seeing a much shorter period between launches and as a result it ‘s much easier to finish off a nice set of coins than waiting for several years. Case in point is this Creatures of Greek Mythology series of silver coins. The frst coin called Cerberus was launched only last September, with the second release coming in early January and featuring the Centaur. Amazingly, we’re now treated to the third coin less than a month later, this one depicting the well known and feared Minotaur.

There are no changes to the series basic design or specification. There are no signs of colour or other adornments, and the artistic style used is fully in keeping with what has gone before. With their proof finish, they do make a nice change from the antique effect that is so prevalent amongst coins with this kind of subject matter. The faux suede bag presentation is still very cool we think; it opens up until it forms a flat disc upon which is printed the Certificate of Authenticity. A pocket in the centre holds the coin and the drawstring can be pulled tight to reform the bag. Almost like the bag you’d expect was used to carry the head of Medusa…

As we stated on our report of the previous coin, Ancient Greek mythology is a broad canvas, so the mint has a rich vein of material to choose from for its next coin, amongst them the Cyclops, the Chimera, the Hydra, the Minotaur, Medusa, and the mighty Typhon. We think this is another coin that will look great in the hand, but taste is highly subjective, so if the subject matter doesn’t appeal, this isn’t going to change your mind, much like all the other series of ancient gods and creatures that have exploded onto the scene recently. Kudos to the New Zealand Mint for the different take on the subject, and their commemorative coins are always beautifully struck. Available to order later today from the NZ Mint webstore for $80.00, and from their usual wide range of dealers worldwide.

MINTS DESCRIPTION

The Minotaur was a mythical creature with the head and tail of a bull on the body of a man.

Legend tells us that King Minos asked Poseidon to send him a sign of approval. A beautiful white bull rose from the sea, but when Minos saw it, he coveted the animal and sacrificed another instead. Upon learning of this, Poseidon made the wife of Minos fall in love with the bull. Their offspring was a monster called the Minotaur. The creature caused such terror that he was locked away inside a vast labyrinth.

Every year, human tribute was given to the Minotaur leading to the Greek hero Theseus volunteering. In exchange for marriage, Minos’ daughter gave him a ball of thread which she fastened to the end of the maze. Upon finding and defeating the Minotaur, he was thus able to retrace his steps and escape.

The coin design shows the engraved illustration of the mythical Minotaur. The obverse features the Ian Rank Broadley effigy of Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth II.

This stunning coin is packaged in a brown, faux-suede soft drawstring bag, styled after ancient Greek money pouches. The coin sits in an especially designed pocket within the money pouch and the Certificate of Authenticity is printed on the inside of the packaging.

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SPECIFICATION