Greek mythology, a 36-coin series, continues with the second trio of releases, Achilles, Demeter, and Cerberus, the three-headed mutt

Just a couple of months ago, Mint XXI launched its ambitious new 36 coin ‘Greek Mythology’ series, and we loved the first trio of coins. To be released over a four-year period in a mix of three different weights – 1 oz, 2 oz, and 3 oz – they employ high-relief, antique-finishing, and gilded highlights to take us on a journey through the myths and legends of the Ancient Greek civilisation.

This second batch of three also offers a god, a goddess, and a monster, with the latter filling the face of a one-ounce coin, and the other pair, two ounce coins. There’s no three-ounce issue this time, not surprising given only a few of the thirty-six coins will be in this format – the bulk will be two-ounces. We were impressed with the quality of the first trio, and while we only have renders this time, rather than the excellent images from the first tranche, this second batch of three looks every bit their equal.

Each coin comes individually boxed, the bigger ones in nicer wooden ones, but all with Certificates of Authenticity, and themed outer shippers. There are some innovative wooden collector frames, each holding nine coins, and all able to join together. The layout shown below has changed a little from the first information we saw, and it now looks like there will be 8 s 3oz, 16 x 2oz, and 12 x 1oz coins in the set (rather than the 5, 19, and 12 we originally believed).

A great series in the making, we think, with even the smallest coin exhibiting impressive levels of detail and high-relief. We don’t yet have the high-quality images we received for the first batch, but we’ve no reason to believe the renders here won’t make the transition to reality with as much panache as was on show earlier. We will get a Coin Series Profile of this range together, perhaps for the holiday, and that way we can collate all the information we have in one place moving forward. Hopefully, we’ll have the actual real-world images for it by then. Available to order now.

ACHILLES (2 oz)

Looking like the classic Greek warrior, Achilles is depicted storming into battle with a round shield (aspis), and a gold -tipped spear (doru). In a nod to his most famous adventure, there’s a small Trojan Horse in the background, as well as hoplites on horseback and chariot. It all sits over a circular pattern in the period style, surrounded by a small, similarly styled border

Hard to fault this one for an action-packed ancient warfare design. Achilles is shown in an exaggerated pose, with some quirks in the lower anatomy, but the sense of power is palpable. Outright realism isn’t the goal here, and it remains a pretty cool representation of the figure.

DEMETER (2 oz)

Now, this is a very attractive design featuring the Greek goddess of the harvest, agriculture, and to a lesser extent, fertility, and sacred law, Demeter. It’s her association with nature and the harvest that Mint XXI has focused on, and the design is replete with some great elements, like the wheat, fruit and hand scythe. The lion behind here perhaps hints at the power she wields as one of the more powerful and influential Greek gods.

The background and border are patterned similarly to Achilles, although the pattern itself is different. The gilding in this case is limited to a horn, filled with the bounty of her harvest. It’s a nice focal point.

CERBERUS (1 oz)

This time around, the smallest coin is represented by Cerberus, and what a fantastic representation it is. It was Cyclops in the first round of issues, so perhaps it is the beasts of Greek mythology that will adorn the one-ounce coins. This one is terrific, really capturing the otherworldly hellhound in a way we haven’t seen on a coin before. The gilded collar is a great choice for a highlight.

Lots of neat touches on this one, from the snake tail, to the chain tying in with the border. The look of the three heads is exactly how we imagined it, rather than just a normal dog growling. You can actually see why Cerberus was so feared in the old mythology.

SPECIFICATION
COIN CERBERUS DEMETER, ACHILLES
DENOMINATION 1,000 Francs CFA (Cameroon) 2,000 Francs CFA (Cameroon)
COMPOSITION 31.1 grams of 0.999 silver 62.2 grams of 0.999 silver
DIMENSIONS 32.0 mm 50.0 mm
FINISH Antique Antique
MODIFICATIONS High-relief, gilding High-relief, gilding
MINTAGE 500 500
BOX / C.O.A. Yes / Yes Yes / Yes