The head of the Norse/Germanic pantheon, Odin, seems to be getting a lot of attention from Germania Mint, with minigold bars, and a terrific Sleipnir coin having been released recently. Now it’s the turn of the Allfathers weapon of choice to be showcased as part of the mints ‘Artefacts’ series, joining Heimdall’s Gjallarhorn, and Thor’s legendary hammer, Mjolnir.

Gungnir is a spear that was crafted by the Sons of Ivaldi (master dwarf smiths), and was enchanted so that it always hits its target. It has been inextricably linked with Odin as far back as the ninth century, and even further in other forms, including Bronze Age rock carvings of a ‘spear god’. Gungnir is described as having runes engraved upon it, a practice also used by historical Norse and other Germanic peoples.

Like the first two coins in this series, artistic honours have been indertaken by Mateusz Frąckowiak, who seems to have made the series his own with this rich style. The depiction of the spearhead is finely detailed, adorned with runes and textures, and encircled by a decorated runic border. As is the signature design of this series, that design also appears largely the same on the obverse, but aligned with the reverse face to give it a cohesive ’embedded’ feel.

The one-ounce bullion coin is particularly impressively detailed for the type, and with a mintage of just 5,000 pieces, is an attractive purchase. It even comes with a Certificate of Authenticity, something very uncommon in bullion coin circles. While the two-ounce, high-relief version we look at further down, is clearly the most impressive of the two, we have to give the mint kudos for doing such a good job with this considerably more affordable offering

The variant that is the star of the show, and the one that generates the most interest on the aftermarket, is the two-ounce, high-relief coin, plated with dark ruthenium, and highlighted with palladium and gold. That high-relief extends to both faces of the coin, as if the spear is embedded within it, and both are equally richly ennobled. There are subtle differences in the two faces when you examine it closer. The background field has a different look, almost like branches in summer and winter, and the spear jead has some detail changes,

An extremely pretty coin in the hand, it’s presentation is excellent, and it’s easy to see why these are so sought after. We do have a sample here, and I will post images of it in an AgAuShoot later this week, along with that bullion coin. I’d hoped to have them ready for this article, but the back pain is back, so apologies for that. In my opinion, one of the best series that Germania Mint produces today. They should be available to pre-order now, and if you want this high-relief variant, I’d genuinely suggest not waiting too long, as we’re seeing big rises in price on the usual auction sites.