Last of Scottsdale Mints Biblical Series for 2017 features Gustave Dore’s Magi from the East

The eighteenth coin in Scottsdale mints ambitious ‘Biblical Series’ wraps up the six releases due in 2017 and with Christmas fast approaching it appropriately has the story of the Three Wise Men as its subject. Using the art of famed woodcut specialist Paul Gustave Dore, this latest coin continues the style and format of prior releases from the last three years.

Produced in two ounces of fine silver, rimless and antique-finished, these Niue-issued coins are beautifully struck and presented. If the subject matter is of interest, we’ve seen little to compare with this series, although collecting them all will take serious commitment.

The coins come with a certificate of authenticity and are packaged in a cardboard book replica, although better quality leather versions are available that will hold a six-coin annual set. The coin sells for $179.99 and many of the earlier issues are still available.We have a Coin Series Profile of the series where all the coins are detailed and you can read more about this expansive series. Expect another six coins in 2018.

2017 THREE WISE MEN SILVER COIN

THREE WISE MEN

The biblical Magi, also referred to as the (Three) Wise Men or (Three) Kings, were, in the Gospel of Matthew and Christian tradition, a group of distinguished foreigners who visited Jesus after his birth, bearing gifts of gold, frankincense and myrrh. The number three is not actually mentioned but has been assumed, perhaps, from the fact that three gifts are mentioned. They are regular figures in traditional accounts of the nativity celebrations of Christmas and are an important part of Christian tradition.

According to Matthew, the only one of the four Canonical gospels to mention the Magi, they came “from the east” to worship the “king of the Jews”. Although the account does not mention the number of Magi, the three gifts has led to the widespread assumption that there were three men. In Eastern Christianity, especially the Syriac churches, the Magi often number twelve. Their identification as kings in later Christian writings is probably linked to Psalms 72:11, “May all kings fall down before him”.

SPECIFICATION

NAME 2017 BIBLICAL SERIES
DENOMINATION $2 NZD
COMPOSITION 0.999 silver
WEIGHT 62.2 grams
DIAMETER 39.00 mm
FINISH Antique
MODIFICATIONS High relief
MINTAGE 1,499
BOX / COA Yes / Yes