The Valkyries range joins their namesake in Valhalla, as Arnhild marks the conclusion of Germania Mint’s silver coin series
Another series starts off 2025 by ending, sadly, and here it’s Arnhild, who ends the four-coin series ‘Valkyries’ from Germania Mint. These Valkyries, who carried the souls of the bravest fallen Norse warriors from the battlefield to Valhalla, were the daughters of Odin, the head of the Norse pantheon. Valkyrie means ‘chooser of the slain’ in Old Norse, and trace their origins back to the 13th century, in such works as the Poetic Edda, the Prose Edda, and the Icelandic Njáls saga.
Each Valkyrie in this series has a distinct look, and for Arnhild, it’s as a vigilant guardian, aided in her taste by the watchful eyes of her eagles, who are said to emblems of strength, bravery, and wisdom. On her belt buckle you can see the runic symbol Ingwaz, which we believe might be coming very soon as part of Germania Mint’s ‘Runes’ series of one-ounce cast bars. Odin’s two ravens, Huginn and Muninn, can be seen in the background.
The obverse is basically the one utilised on this face on all the entrants in this series, with a raised frame adorned by a runic-style pattern, over a wood plank texture. The idea is to evoke a shield, and it does that very well, right down to the boss in the centre. Germania Mint’s superb bicephalous eagle emblem sits to the right of it. The defining difference between the four coins is the presence of a spirit animal to the left, and here, it’s the eagle, of course. Previous issues have used a wolf, a stag, and a bear.
The series bows out with the same three variants that have characterised it since the debut in 2022. For the bullion folks, there’s a one-ounce silver coin with a 25,000 coin mintage. Unusually for a bullion coin, this also comes with a Certificate of Authenticity. The second variant is a version of the bullion coin that is ruthenium plated, and selectively gilded, which also comes boxed. Topping the range is a pretty two-ounce, antique-finished coin sporting high-relief, and some subtle colouring. This comes presented in a great looking wood and acrylic display frame. A great issue to round out a fine series. Available to order now.
DENOMINATION | COMPOSITION | DIMENSIONS | FINISH | MINTAGE |
5 Mark (Undenominated) | 31.1 g of 0.9999 silver | 38.61 mm | Bullion | 25,000 |
5 Mark (Undenominated) | 31.1 g of 0.9999 silver | 38.61 mm | Ruthenium, Gilding | 999 |
10 Mark (Undenominated) | 31.1 g of 0.9999 silver | 45.0 mm | Antique, Colour | 999 |
Unfortunately looks like this series was cut short. Based on the number of runes on the reverse, the series should have had five coins not four. This is a pity, speaks of inconsistency and lowers the collection´s value in my opinion.
That seems a little harsh. I don’t remember any reference to a number of coins, so I’m not sure how it would lower a collection value. You might be right, but I don’t see it impacting the collectability. I do agree the series finished too early, as they never got around to the leader of the Valkyries, Brynhildr, which is a shame, and there are almost 40 named Valkyries in the old Norse texts.
You are right, they had not stated the number of coins in the series but there are five runes on reverse and the four issued coins have each a dedicated rune. The fifth is missing unfortunately. This was in my opinion one of the best series of Germania, with beautiful rounds and packaging was also top.
Yes, I like it as well, and they’re one of the best with their display frames for the specials. We should find out what’s coming next very shortly.