Mint of Poland’s Gods of Olympus series dips into the Underworld with Hades

One of the most popular genres in modern numismatics and certainly one with a very high quality threshold, ancient gods and mythology have adorned a wide range of superb releases over the last few years. While the Perth Mint arguably kicked off the modern trend with its Zeus issue back in 2014, the current big guns in the field are arguably Coin Invest Trust/Numiscollect, Choice Mint and the Mint of Poland.

The latter has impressed lately with some quite stunning releases, especially last years Ares coin, so we’ve been eagerly awaiting the follow-on to the debut release in the mints own Gods of Olympus Zeus coin that came out in 2017 (see further down). The subject of the 2018 issue is none other than the god of the underworld himself – Hades. Struck to an ultra-high relief in two ounces of fine silver, the coin is antique finished, rimless and with selective gilding, in this case with the copper-enhanced rose gold like that used by the Krugerrand.

The design is an impressive one. A relaxed depiction of Hades with a great temple interior in the background is very well realised. In the foreground sits a bust(s) of the three-headed dog that guarded the entrance to the Underworld – Cerberus. Just the name ‘HADES’ is inscribed on this face, the rest sitting on the obverse around the usual effigy of Queen Elizabeth II. The obverse also features a patterned border that almost looks like the inside of a domed ceiling similar to the Pantheon.

Packaging consists of a decent wooden box which sits inside a themed sleeve and itself holds a certificate of authenticity. Just 500 of these will be struck, continuing the trend towards tighter mintage numbers. Another fine looking coin from the Mint of Poland. While these are renders, we’ve yet to be disappointed with the transition to reality and harbour no reservations in that regard. Shipping in April, this looks to be a good one for collectors of this popular type of coin to pick up and we think it looks even better than last years, especially with the reduction in the amount of gilding. Available to buy now from the distributor Pela Coins, or from multiple other sponsors.

HADES

In ancient Greek mythology, Hades was worshipped as the God of the Underworld and the ruler of the dead. In addition to the underworld, he ruled over any and all things beneath the Earth, and for this reason he was also known as the God of Wealth as he presided over all the precious metals that existed underground.

Historically, Hades was often depicted sitting on his ebony throne with Cerberus, the threeheaded watchdog by his side. He was also known to wear a helmet of invisibility given to him by the Cyclops to help in the battle against the Titans.

Hades’ other symbols include the key to the underworld, a cornucopia or a two-pronged pickaxe, and the cypress and narcissus plants which were considered sacred to him.