Without question, one of the biggest trends in the latter half of last year was the surge in popularity of coins featuring ancient mythology. More specifically, gods. Even more specifically, Odin. Kicked off in style with the superb Legends of Asgard 3 oz max-relief coin from Choice Mint, it was swiftly followed by a nine-coin series called Norse Gods, a coin from Gainesville struck by the Helvetic Mint, and a fifteen-coin series from the Scottsdale Mint.

It could be argued that with the launch of Zeus some two years ago, the trend for high-relief, antique-finish, ancient mythology coins was indeed started by the Perth Mint. Originally launching with Gods of Olympus in 2014, and following with Goddesses of Olympus in 2015, the mint has chosen Norse Gods for this years three-coin set. With the plethora of earlier Odin coins having launched, it has made the Perth Mint look a little like a follower instead of the innovator of the trend that they are, but they have responded with a fine design nevertheless. A change in artist has occurred, but it isn’t a jarring one. Tom Vaughan has given way to Ing Ing Jong on the design duties, and she’s kept up the quality.

Like the previous six releases, these are rimless, 20z, antique-finish coins, beautifully packaged (although they have moved away from the cool, round design box) and made to be a three coin set. Further coins featuring Thor and Loki will be released as the year goes on. It’s anybody’s guess if these will appreciate in the same way that the early coins did, but these do have a historical pedigree that the others don’t, and if you want one, we’d hazard a guess that they will sell out quickly, irrespective of the other Odin coins already out. We like the design a lot, but then we like the others as well. It’s a genre with a very high standard of entry, always nice to see. Available from today, the coin has crept up $20 to $199 AUD.

MINTS DESCRIPTION

Following the huge success of the God’s of Olympus and Goddess’ of Olympus series, comes the first release in the incredible new Norse Gods series.

According to ancient Norse mythology, Odin was the king of Asgard. He had a tendency to disguise himself and is often depicted wearing a mask, a long hat, and a green coat. He is known as the king of the gods as well as the god of war and death, a sky god, and the god of wisdom and poetry.

Struck by The Perth Mint from 99.9% pure silver, the coin is issued as legal tender under the authority of the Government of Tuvalu.

DESIGN: The reverse of the coin depicts Odin wielding his spear and riding his horse Sleipnir. He is accompanied by his wolves and his ravens. The design also includes the inscription ODIN, and The Perth Mint’s traditional ‘P’ mintmark.

The obverse of the coin portrays the Ian Rank-Broadley effigy of Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth II, the monetary denomination, and the 2016 year-date.

To capture the depth and detail of the design, the coin is struck in high relief to a rimless format and features an antique finish.

PACKAGING: The coin is housed in a prestigious square wooden display case with stunning engraved detail on its lid, and packaged in a themed shipper. The coin is accompanied by a numbered Certificate of Authenticity

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SPECIFICATION