The Mint of Polands Amber Scarab is back, this time with turquoise and gilding.

Late last year the Mennica Polska debuted a new Ancient Egyptian themed coin depicting one of the core elements of that important civilisation – the scarab. Struck in 17.5 g of fine 0.999 silver, it featured a scarab beetle with wings spread, and inspired by the ancient style. Inset between this and a pattern of lotus flowers above, was a half-sphere of polished amber. The whole thing was a nice contemporary take on Ancient Egyptian culture.

Fast forward to now and the mint has released a second coin. Disappointingly, it isn’t an all-new design in what would have been the natural progression for a series. Instead, they’ve taken last years coin and made two, admittedly very noticeable changes. The replacement of the amber with turquoise is probably the lesser of the two alterations as the size, shape and location of its placement haven’t changed, just the colour. Of more note is the gilding of the scarab motif, something quite appropriate given the importance of the yellow metal in that culture.

The finished article is different enough to perhaps have collectors think of picking one up, although it’s gaudier in comparison to the understated first coin. Packaging is a staple of the mint and nicely done. The first coin must have been popular as the mintage on this one has risen from 500 to 999. Priced around th €70 mark, it should be available ion January.

The greatest archaeological discovery of recent years! In the area of the ancient city of Vulci, north of Rome, precious golden scarabeus and Egyptian jewellery exquisitely crafted in turquoise were found. This amazing treasure was discovered in the spring of 2016, after the priceless treasures of the Etruscan princess had lain buried for more than 2800 years!

In ancient Egypt, scarabeus were thought to be the personification of divinity, as well as a symbol of rebirth and the journey of the sun disk across the heavens. Images of scarabeus, forged from precious metals and costly stones, served as amulets and even as currency. Today, the scarab-shaped amulets are excavated in the countries that once had close commercial relations with Ancient Egypt.

The bluish-green shade of this rare mineral combines the energy of sky and water. In the kingdom of the Pharaohs, it symbolized the life-giving waters of the Nile. Also today turquoise is believed to have beneficial effects. This beautiful precious stone not only enhances creativity and self-fulfilment, but also symbolizes commitment and sincerity.

REVERSE: In the central part of the coin – scarab beetle with outstretched wings, adorned with a turquoise symbolizing the waters of the Nile. I the upper part of the coin – decorative elements: lotus flowers.

OBVERSE: In the central part of the coin – effigy of Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth II. Below it – mint mark: m/w, hallmark: Ag 999. Along the rim – inscriptions separated by decorative dots: ELIZABETH II, NIUE ISLAND (issuer), 1 DOLLAR (face value), 2017 (year of issue).