It was in late 2021 that Numiscollect debuted a new archaeology series, and it was a different to the usual subjects that have proliferated in modern numismatics over the last decade. Rather than the usual buildings, structures, leaders, or gods, this series showcases how the ancient cultures built their structures around a relationship with the Sun, many of them built to time the equinox and the two solstices.

The reverse of the coin, depicts a Chacoan Great House, located in NW New Mexico. These were often huge, multi-storied structures, comprised of anywhere up to 700 rooms, and several of them still exist in various states of preservation within Chaco Canyon National Park. They date back over a millennium. Here, the depiction is of the site of one during a time of occupation. The style is very similar to that of the first coin, and there is the same inset yellow crystal representing the sun, although the earlier coin had that on the obverse face.

The obverse here uses the yellow stream of light that was employed on the reverse face of the first coin, to pass over a spiral petroglyph. The design is taken from the wall of the Sun Dagger, and the shaft of light as Numiscollect have placed it here, is marking the summer solstice. For the winter solstice, two shafts of light will bracket the spiral. It’s even been put forward that they can also track the 18.6-year lunar cycle. The effect cannot be seen today because of movements in the surrounding rocks. Amazingly, other petroglyphs may mark a total solar eclipse, and even a supernova. It’s all endlessly interesting.

This is a two-ounce fine silver coin, with a very high-quality antique finish, and struck with high-relief. It will come boxed with a Certificate of Authenticity, and only 555 will be produced. It’s great to see such esoteric takes on ancient cultures, especially when done with such obvious care and attention. Available to order now.

MINTS DESCRIPTION: The Chaco Culture, which flourished between 900 and 1150 AD in the Chaco Canyon (New Mexico), is renowned for its impressive architectural achievements and astronomical alignments. At the heart of this culture were massive stone buildings called “great houses,” constructed with precision and planning, reflecting advanced knowledge of engineering and astronomy. Chaco Canyon served as a major centre for trade, religious ceremonies, and governance, connecting a vast network of communities throughout the Four Corners region. The Chacoans built an extensive system of roads radiating from the canyon, further highlighting their social and political influence.

One of the most fascinating aspects of Chaco Culture is their use of astronomical alignments, particularly the “Sun Dagger” in a cave at Fajada Butte. This rock formation marks the position of the sun during the summer solstice, winter solstice, and equinox. At these key points in the year, a shaft of sunlight passes through the stones, casting a “dagger” of light onto a spiral petroglyph, marking the changing seasons with remarkable accuracy. Additionally, many of the great houses were built to align with solar and lunar events, reflecting the Chacoans’ deep connection to celestial cycles. These alignments likely played a crucial role in their religious practices, agricultural planning, and social structure, demonstrating the sophistication of the Chacoan people in both architecture and astronomy.