Slavic gods thunder into the the ranks of ancient mythology coins with the Mint of Poland’s own series

Just when you think the Mint of Poland has gone quiet because they haven’t released a new ancient mythology coin for a couple of months, I have to get out the keyboard and write about another one. Normally, repetitive tasks bring little pleasure, but the standard and variety of the silver coins issued by the Mennica Polska is so high that it always seems to be a pleasure to do so.  Just recently we’ve had Four Horsemen of the Apocalypse, Twelve Labours of Hercules, Demigods, and Great Commanders. Each of those has been quite outstanding in their own right, even though they follow a similar design aesthetic. The coin we’re looking at here doesn’t deviate from that sucessful formula.

Norse, Roman and Greek gods and heroes are obviously the most popular subjects for this genre of coins. The characters are well known around the world through the wealth of books, tv and movies that are released constantly, but it’s always good to see something truly new for a change, and the Mint of Poland has chosen the lesser known pantheon of Slavic Gods for this new series. First out of the gate is Perun, who seems to share characteristics with Thor (a god of thunder and lightning, hammer, war), although he occupies the highest position in Slavic mythology, much akin to Odin in Norse legends or Jupiter in Roman. Having a likely common ancestry with the Baltic god Perkunas, will probably have had significant influence given the constant trade that region had with the Vikings and their ilk.

The design looks packed full of detail, and although we only have initial artwork at present, that’s not been a sign that the finished article will disappoint – far from it. You can certainly see the influence of other gods in the design and how much Slavic mythology shares with its northern Norse contemporaries, but it’s something different, especially with the small round of oak, a tree with significance there, placed in the six’o’clock position. Just the name ‘PERUN’ is inscribed here, everything else on the obverse where it belongs.

The obverse of this Niue issue carries the effigy of Queen Elizabeth II, of course, but again, the mint has made efforts to incorporate it into a wider design instead of against a blank field as usual. It’s a technique that’s been used on most of their recent issues like this. A woodland inspired scene of oak branches and apex predators, along with some almost runic/tribal decorative elements, keeps interest in this often overlooked face, high.

Packaging comprises a wooden box in a themed sleeve. A certificate of authenticity is enclosed and the mintage is the increasingly typical 500 units. The coin serial number is engraved on the rim. While most of this mints other recent releases like this have been exclusively distributed by a specific dealer (Mint of Gdansk, Pela Coins, Coin Shoppe, etc.), this one is being handled by the mint directly. We’d imagine this is because the subject matter is less well known, and thus having a smaller collector base, but we’re glad they’ve released something different and we’re sure collectors will enjoy the stories that come from amythology they’re unlikely to have preconcieved notions about. It should be available to order shortly and First Coin Company in the USA will definitely be one of the stockists.

MINTS DESCRIPTION

The highest god of the Slavic pantheon, Perun was the pagan deity of thunder, lightning, heaven and earth. His attributes – axe and arrow – acted as an indicator of his strength and might. An oak, a sacred tree of the Slavs and inseparable part of the pagan sanctuary, played an important role in the worship of the thunderous god. Longevity and extraordinary hardness of the oak tree made it a symbol of strength, durability and immortality. These features were attributed to Perun, the god of storm and sovereign power. In Slavic mythology, an eagle, the most magnificent of all birds, was the symbol and messenger of Perun.

The design of this coin alludes to Slavic mythology. Intricate decorations will astound even the most demanding connoisseurs of numismatics. Two ounces of fine silver, timeless decoration with antique finish, high relief reflecting the tiniest detail along with wooden insert make it an out-of-cliché gift for your sweetheart for all people interested in antiquity history and Slavic mythology.

REVERSE: In the central part of the coin – the image of Perun, wielding ax and lightning (high relief). In the background – elements referring to the Slavic mythology: eagle, wolf, oak. At the bottom – oak insert, ornament. On the right, along the edge – an inscription: PERUN.

OBVERSE: In the central part of the coin – the image of Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth II. Below, the author of the sculpture: IRB (Ian Rank-Broadley). In the background – a stylized decorative surface: branches, leaves and roots of an oak, a bear, a wolf. At the bottom – subtitles: 2 DOLLARS (face value), ELIZABETH II, NIUE (issuer), 2018 (year of issue).

SPECIFICATION
DENOMINATION $2 New Zealand (Niue)
COMPOSITION 0.999 silver
WEIGHT 62.2 grams
DIMENSIONS 50.0 mm
FINISH Antique
MODIFICATIONS High-relief, Oak insert
MINTAGE 500
BOX / COA Yes / Yes