Scottsdales Biblical Stories launches Jacob, the third issue of 2017 in its epic silver coin series
Scottsdale Mint’s hugely ambitious ‘Biblical Series’ continues with the third of six coins due for release in 2017 making its debut. Struck in two ounces of fine silver, the coins are high-relief, rimless and sport an antique finish. This new coin reproduces another of Gustave Dore’s numerous woodcuts of scenes from the bible that he produced in the 19th century. This time around it’s the story of Jacob wrestling with an angel.
All of these coins are very well realised, making fine use of the original artwork and losing little in translation to a silver coin and this fifteenth coin in the series in no exception. Packaged in a book-style case, although a six-coin leather-style collectors binder is definitely the better way to go if you’re buying a few of these each year. The coin sells for $179.99, so about mid-range for the format and mintage. If you want to know more check out our Coin Series Profile of the series where all the series is detailed and you can get a good look at one of the most ambitious series out there at the moment. We’ve added this one to it.
2017 JACOB WRESTLING THE ANGEL SILVER COIN
DESCRIPTION
The account of Jacob wrestling with the angel is found in Genesis 32:22-32 and referenced elsewhere in Hosea 12:4. The account includes the renaming of Jacob as “Israel”, literally “He who struggles with God.” The account is also regularly described as Jacob wrestling with God.
Jacob spent the night alone on a riverside. There, a mysterious being—considered to be an angel or God himself—wrestled with Jacob, even striking him painfully in the hollow of his thigh. Jacob asks the being his name, and while he doesn’t receive an answer, he names the place where they wrestled Peniel or Penuel.[Genesis 32:29-30] The event occurs during Jacob’s journey back to Canaan.
The identity of Jacob’s wrestling opponent is a matter of debate, named variously as a dream figure, a prophetic vision, an angel (such as Michael and Samael), a protective river spirit, Jesus or God.
REVERSE: Features Gustav Doré’s image of Jacob struggling with a winged angel next to the river Jabbok.
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 Genesis 32:22-32, in which Jacob wrestles with a heavenly being, often referred to as an angel, all night until the break of day when the being dislocates his hip by touching it. Jacob does not let go of the being until he is blessed. The heavenly being renames him Israel and blesses him.
SPECIFICATION
| NAME | 2017 BIBLICAL SERIES |
| DENOMINATION | $2 New Zealand |
| COMPOSITION | 0.999 silver |
| WEIGHT | 62.2 grams |
| DIAMETER | 39 mm |
| FINISH | Antique |
| MODIFICATIONS | High relief |
| MINTAGE | 1,499 |
| BOX / COA | Yes / Yes |
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