Pobjoy Mint continues to explore Ancient Egyptian history and legend with their third bullion coin for it

Following designs commemorating the centenary of the discovery of Tutankhamun’s tomb, and one for the centenary of the opening of his tomb and sarcophagus, Pobjoy Mint now changes focus by featuring one of the many gods that made up the Egyptian pantheon, Isis. One of the primary figures in Egyptian mythology, Isis was usually depicted in winged form, and was the goddess associated with death and healing, both extremely important in the culture.

She is depicted over a background filled with hieroglyphics, and while there’s a little more dimension to it, the figure of Isis is in a similar style to that background. The choice is a perfect one, given the coin was released to commemorate 250 years since the birth of the British polymath, Dr Thomas Young, who was instrumental in the deciphering of hieroglyphics, using the Rosetta Stone. We’re pleased to see this highly regarded, but lesser known scientist get some numismatic recognition, rather than yet another Howard Carter coin. He was far from a one-trick pony, making important contributions in physics, medicine, and even music.

It looks to be a good design, and we have to say again, these Pobjoy coins invariably look better than their official images suggest. Have a look at our own images of the Sierra Leone obverse, we took from an earlier sample, for comparison to this one. We’ll try to get our hands on a sample to photograph. It is, like its two predecessors, issued for Sierra Leone, and that nation’s emblem adorns the obverse. There’s just a single version, a one-ounce silver coin with a reverse-frosted finish, and the mintage of just 5,000 units looks particularly attractive. Available now.

SPECIFICATION
DENOMINATION $1 Sierra Leone
COMPOSITION 31.1 g of 0.999 silver
DIMENSIONS 38.6 mm
FINISH Reverse frosted
MODIFICATIONS Ultra high-relief, Blue enamel
MINTAGE 5,000