Ancient Gods Week continues dipping into the healthy new selection of numismatics featuring deities worshipped in ancient times. Fortunately in those polytheistic times, there were no shortage of gods and thus no shortage of subjects for new coins. Equally fortunately, most of them are resplendent with striking imagery and fascinating stories of their origins and adventures. First choices are usually the Roman or Greek gods, but we think the Norse gods are far more interesting, and it seems many mints agree.

King of the hill at the moment is the superb Legends of Asgard series from the Choice Mint, but there’s plenty of room for others and the two coins here are the first salvo in an all-new nine-coin series. Following the trend for antique finish and high-relief, these are two-ounce (62.2g) fine silver coins, and far more classical in design than the Perth Mints Gods & Goddesses of Olympus ranges, so there’s now plenty of choice for all tastes. Unlike the Choice Mint coins, whose range of subjects will encompass not just the gods, but also the many facets of Norse mythology, this series is apparently concentrating on the main pantheon of gods, of which there are numerous characters.

The first two coins showcase the two biggest names in Norse mythology, Odin and his son Thor. The coins are chunky beasts, choosing to keep the diameter at a standard 38.6mm and using the extra metal to greatly increase the thickness of the clean rimmed coin. Like many high-relief coins, there appears to be a slight concavity to the reverse side, thus enhancing the effect. The artwork is attractive, for us especially so on the Thor coin, and the written inscriptions are well integrated into the design and not excessive. Overall, we think these look great, especially for the €110-120 price range they sit in.

We’re still obviously fans of the Legends of Asgard coin, but choice is never to be turned away, and with a strict 1,000 piece mintage, these are fine coins in their own right and very welcome. Available to order now, they should be shipping any time soon and come nicely boxed and with a certificate of authenticity. Available at many dealers, with Top World Coins, Powercoin, Muenzdachs and others having them up.

MINTS DESCRIPTION

Odin is one of the most complex and enigmatic characters in Norse mythology, and perhaps in all of world literature. Having given one of his eyes in exchange for wisdom, he is, according to most sources, the “Allfather” of the gods; a fascinating shaman-like figure, emblematic of war, battle and death, but also poetry, music, prophecy and magic.

Thor was the son of Odin and Fyorgyn, the earth goddess. The brawny thunder god, he is the archetype of a loyal and honorable warrior, the ideal toward which the average human warrior aspired. As well as thunderstorms, Thor is associated with oak trees, and is said to protect mankind.

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