Adam and Eve in the Garden of Eden is the story adorning the Lithuanian Mint’s apple-shaped coin

The Lithuanian Mint continues to surprise with its use of some quite unique artistic styles with this very unusual new biblical coin. We all know the story of the first people, Adam and Eve, and their expulsion from the Garden of Eden after disobeying God by eating the forbidden fruit from the Tree of the Knowledge of Good and Evil. They were tempted by the Devil, in the form of a serpent.

All of those elements are incorporated into the scene the mint has produced for this unusual coin. It’s been done in what we would describe as an early Renaissance style, with shades of inspiration from such masters as Albrecht Dürer, and a century later, Peter Paul Reubens. It is, however, an original piece by noted coin designer, Miroslav Hric, whose work we’ve admired elsewhere. A terrific interpretation, with the snake intertwined through the trunk of the tree, which is replete with fruit, all done in high-relief, and antique finished.

Now, there’s nothing unique about Adam & Eve as a subject for a coin, and indeed, there have been some fine ones, but what makes this one particularly special is the shape. The coin is basically half an apple, sliced vertically, with the artwork on the cut face. This leaves the obverse of the coin to be a fully shaped, dimensional apple, complete with a little stalk.

It’s all quite superbly realised, with a shape aping the more complex shape of a real apple, rather than just a basic oval. The national shield of the Republic of Cameroon is struck in relief on it. The whole thing is an outstanding example of a theme and a format in perfect sync with each other – very impressive. Quality packaging of this five-ounce silver coin rounds out a fine release. Only 100 of these will be minted, and it’s available to order now.

GALLERY

ISSUE DENOMINATION COMPOSITION DIMENSIONS FINISH MINTAGE
GARDEN OF EDEN 5000 CFA Francs (Cameroon) 155.5 g of 0.999 silver 40.4 x 48.2 x 20.2 mm Antique 100