With artwork inspired from a highly regarded 19th century wood engraving specialist called Gustave Doré, the Scottsdale Mints ‘Biblical Stories’ coin series is one of the most ambitious around at the moment. Known for his work illustrating the writer Dante’s seminal novels, and for a huge collection of woodcuts depicting scenes from the Bible, Paul Gustave Louis Christophe Doré was a French artist, illustrator, printmaker and sculptor, and his bible series, first published in 1865 numbered several hundred illustrations in total.

The second coin for 2016 depicts the Last Supper, another famous story from the New Testament. The obverse features the Ralph Maklouf image of Elizabeth II, and the laser-etched serial number on the rim that matches the certificate is also a returning feature. Fans of the previous coins will see nothing to disappoint here, although equally it’s not going to convert anybody who wasn’t a fan of the 2015 set. We’ve covered every one of the six 2015 coins, and they are Exodus, The Crucifixion of Jesus, David and Goliath, The Ten Commandments, Death on a Pale Horse, and New Jerusalem.

The coins are sold exclusively through APMEX in the US, although other dealers worldwide also have them, and the coin stays at $179.99. The six-coin collectors box will return to collate a 2016 series. Made of leather and styled like a book, it looks a beautiful piece and sells for $74.99.  Struck in 2oz of high-relief fine silver, there can be little question that the quality of these coins is first class. If the subject matter appeals, we can safely safe they’re easily one of the best of the genre. If it doesn’t, Scottsdales Norse Gods 15-coin series is a fine alternative.

MINTS DESCRIPTION

REVERSE: Inspired by Gustave Doré’s illustration of “The Last Supper” depicting Jesus Christ and his twelve disciples sitting at a table during Jesus’ last Passover meal.

OBVERSE: Features the Raphael Maklouf likeness of Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth II surrounded by the weight, purity and face value.

Included certificate of authenticity lists Luke 22:14-15 and Matthew 26:26-28, which describes the account of Jesus offering His disciples bread as His body and wine as His blood, symbolizing the first covenant of the sacrificial Passover Lamb.
The certificate of authenticity has an antique feel that coincides nicely with both the finish of the 2 oz coin and the design subject. Included on the certificate is an image of Gustave Doré’s “The Last Supper”, showing how accurately Scottsdale Mint’s creative team recreated the original artwork for this coin series.

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SPECIFICATION

DENOMINATION COMPOSITION WEIGHT DIAMETER FINISH MINTAGE BOX / COA
$2 NEW ZEALAND 0.999 SILVER 62.2 g 39.00 mm ANTIQUE 1,499 YES / YES
APMEX BIBLICAL SERIES