Just when you thought the clamour to release Viking mythology coins had died down, another epic series launches onto the market with all our favourite gods and warriors from Norse folklore. The series depicts 15 of Norse culture’s greatest figures: Odin, Ragnar, King Cnut, Thor, Loki, Tyr, Freya, Ivar the Boneless, Eric Bloodaxe, Harald Hardrada, Bjorn Ironside, Egil Skallagrimsson, Freydís Eiríksdóttir, Harald Fairhair, and Gudfred. The first three coins below have been released simultaneously, but in future they’ll be released one at a time at regular intervals over the next three years.
We’ve already had coins from other series launching in a very short period of time, from the 9-coin Viking Gods series, through the 4-coin Heidi Wastweet designed series, and on to the current pinnacle of them all, the Choice Mints Legends of Asgard series. All of the coins released to date have been of a high standard and these don’t disappoint either. Not quite as special as the almost hand-crafted look of Choice Mints coin, this new Scottsdale Mint series is a fine one regardless. Struck in the style of the Bible series, 2oz, rimless and antique-finished, this looks like a series that will maintain the quality of the earlier one.
The packaging is worthy of particular note. Similar in style to the Perth Mints superb Gods & Goddesses of Olympus series, the wooden boxes go one step further with some beautiful designs, each on wearing a different lid design themed to the character on the coin. The serial number is struck into the rim like the Bible coins. The first three coins depict Odin, King Cnut and Ragnar of Lothbrok, so is partially grounded in Norse lore, and partly in its actual history.
Each coin will sell for $179.99, although APMEX, who have a 30-day US exclusive on the coins, are doing a deal if you buy all three. Another welcome addition to the ever bulging market for this subject genre, it’s getting harder and harder to choose for those of us on a budget. Legends of Olympus still just has it for us, but the mix of styles available now means everyone should find something they like. Available to buy now.
ODIN
Odin the “Allfather” was the premier Norse deity, at once a magnetic and polarizing figure whose influence permeated all aspects of society. A lover of knowledge, he was said to have sacrificed his eye in exchange for great wisdom. He was the ruler of Valhalla, the highest level of the underworld and frequently received human sacrifices.
In battle, he was a manipulative commander who derived an almost spiritual ecstasy from orchestrating violent, chaotic bloodbaths. He was also a lover of poetry and heavily involved in shamanism, magic and necromancy.
DESIGN: Features a depiction of God Odin setting on his throne, Hlidskjalf, shrouded in mist and flanked by his shamanic helpers, two ravens, Huginn and Muninn, and two wolves, Geri and Freki. The background features a wooden slat wall as his throne sits in the hall Valaskialf.
PACKAGING: Housed in a round wooden display box designed with the Triple Horn of Odin, which is three interlocked drinking horns, surrounded by the Runic alphabet.
KING CNUT
King Cnut is remembered for stabilizing England, Denmark, Norway, and parts of Sweden and unifying the regions into one empire from A.D. 1016-1035. Humility was his hallmark trait, often illustrated by the tale of “King Cnut and the Waves,” wherein Cnut had his throne placed on the seashore as the tide was coming in.
Sitting upon his throne, he stretched out his hand and commanded the tide to recede. The ocean responded by continuing its advance, covering the king’s feet and soaking his royal garments.
Cnut turned to the small audience accompanying him and said, “Let all men know how empty and worthless is the power of kings, for there is none worthy of the name, but He whom heaven, earth, and sea obey by eternal laws.” He placed his crown upon a crucifix and never wore it again.
DESIGN: Features a depiction of King Cnut wearing a crown and holding a scepter. His cloak clasp is a quatrefoil coin design, popular when Cnut was in power and the type he would have minted. Above him is “Cnut Rex Anglorum” written in Runic, which translates to “Cnut, King of England”.
PACKAGING: Housed in a round wooden display box designed with a short cross quatrefoil, which was on the King Cnut coins minted during his reign, surrounded by the Runic alphabet.
RAGNAR OF LOTHBROK
A legendary Viking warrior and king, Ragnar of Lothbrok is likely an amalgamation of several prominent warriors. He is remembered for leading successful campaigns into France and England, galvanizing Viking armies to battle, and passing on his legacy to his many warrior sons, most notably, Ivar the Boneless.
He met his end when he was captured by king Aella of Northumbria and thrown into a pit of snakes.
DESIGN: Features a depiction of Ragnar in 9th century Viking attire and weaponry, equipped with a Goosewing fighting axe, round shield, Nordic fox cloak, fighting sword, pouch and valknut necklace, showing his devotion to Odin. Behind him is a Celtic ring with seven rune stones spelling his name.
PACKAGING: Housed in a round wooden display box designed with a large valknut, comprised of three interlocking triangles standing for “Slain Warrior”, surrounded by the Runic alphabet.
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Impressive display of detail. Some of the better sculpting I have seen with multiple levels that isn’t just high or low like on the Asgard. While those are nice, it’s essentially just a Greek looking god with Horns on it and doesn’t feel like a coin.
These seem very high end and authentic to the Viking period.
In particular I like Ragnar as he is my favorite character on the TV show but they are all pretty amazing.
Yesterday I bought them at Firstcoincompany because they refund for overseas tax