In the last quarter of 2022, Mint XXI launched its ambitious new 36 coin ‘Greek Mythology’ series with three issues, and have since added six more. It’s now time for the fourth tranche of three coins, and we have one of each of the weights, 1 oz, 2 oz, and 3 oz, all employing a high-relief strike, antique-finishing, and gilded highlights to take us on a journey through the myths and legends of the Ancient Greek civilisation.

This time around, we get a gorgeous 3 oz Artemis design headlining the trio, with the 2 oz spot taken by Perseus and Andromeda, and the smallest offering featuring one of the creatures in Greek mythology – the Minotaur. Again, the look is consistent amongst them, and with the previous nine releases. Fortunately, we have proper photos of them this time, rather than the line renders from the third trio (we’ll try to get actual photos for our profile). They really do show the coins of at their best.

As always, each coin comes individually boxed, from a cardboard one for the smallest coin, up to etched wooden boxes for the bigger pair, although all have Certificates of Authenticity within, and themed outer shippers. There are some innovative wooden collector frames, each holding nine coins, and all able to join together to form a panoramic vista. This will come with selected three-ounce coins, and the availability is capped at 333 pieces – the same as the 3 oz mintage.

A terrific series which has maintained a very high standard over the twelve coins issued to date, it’s comprehensive, with beautiful artwork. While it features a subject extensively covered in recent years, when it’s done this well that soon becomes a moot point. We really must get our Coin Series Profiles of this series underway. Available to order now.

Artemis was a Greek goddess of the hunt, wilderness, childbirth, virginity, and the moon. She was one of the twelve Olympian gods and was often depicted as a young woman with a bow and arrow, hunting in the woods with her nymphs. As the goddess of the hunt, Artemis was known for her hunting skills and her ability to protect and provide for wild animals. She was also associated with virginity and childbirth, and young girls would often pray to her for protection and guidance during these important life events.

In mythology, Artemis was a fierce and independent goddess who valued her independence and often punished those who crossed her. She was also known for her loyalty to her family, especially her twin brother Apollo. Artemis was worshipped throughout ancient Greece and her cults were often associated with nature and the outdoors. She was also worshipped in Roman mythology as Diana, the goddess of the hunt and the moon. Her legacy lives on as a symbol of strength, independence, and female empowerment.

According to the myth, Andromeda was the daughter of King Cepheus and Queen Cassiopeia of Ethiopia. Cassiopeia had boasted that her daughter was more beautiful than the sea nymphs, which angered the god Poseidon, who sent a sea monster to attack the kingdom. In order to save his people, King Cepheus consulted the Oracle of Delphi, who told him that he needed to sacrifice his daughter to the sea monster. However, Perseus, a demigod and hero, was passing through and offered to slay the monster and save Andromeda in exchange for her hand in marriage.

Perseus defeated the monster using the head of the gorgon Medusa, which he had previously obtained as a gift from the goddess Athena. He then married Andromeda and took her back to Greece, where they had many adventures together. Seen as a classic tale of heroism, sacrifice, and true love, the story continues to inspire and captivate people, reminding us of the power of courage, love, and determination in the face of adversity.

The Minotaur was said to have the head of a bull and the body of a man. It was born to Queen Pasiphae of Crete after she was cursed by the gods to fall in love with a bull. King Minos, her husband, had a labyrinth built to house the Minotaur, and would sacrifice Athenian youths to the creature as a tribute. The hero Theseus eventually volunteered to enter the labyrinth and slay the Minotaur. With the help of Princess Ariadne, who gave him a ball of thread to navigate the maze, Theseus defeated the creature and found his way back out.

The Minotaur is often seen as a symbol of fear and chaos, as well as a warning against the dangers of excessive pride and ambition. Its labyrinthine home represents the complexities of the human psyche, and the journey to defeat it represents the hero’s journey of self-discovery and growth. The myth of the Minotaur has been retold in various forms throughout history, including in literature, art, and film. It continues to capture the imagination of people around the world and remains a powerful symbol of the human struggle against inner demons and external challenges.