TWELVE APOSTLES (2025) by Mint of MK
After Mint of MK’s extraordinary 36-coin dragon series of high-relief coins, that comprised nine designs, each in four finishes, and the 12-coin ‘Twelve Zodiac Signs’ with its innovative dual-UV process, we expected a new epic series from this experimental producer. That series is ‘Twelve Apostles’, which like its forebears, has had a relatively quick release schedule, and an unusual and varied style.
As you can tell from the title, this is about the famous 12 biblical men who are said to have followed Jesus, all but one of them meeting a grisly end. By focusing on that, this series could be said to be about dedication and sacrifice, honouring those who made the ultimate sacrifice for their principles.
Each of the twelve coins has a unique design, eschewing a simple round format for a variety of distinctive shapes, with the reverse faces depicting scenes of the ends of the different apostles. The obverse faces are equally intricate and individual. No common obverse design here!
Each issue is available in a choice of antiqued, or fully gilded finishes, is packed with high-relief, and comes presented in a solid acrylic display block, inside a themed slipcover incorporating a certificate of authenticity. We’ve collated images of the coins and each variant below, along with abridged details from the mint itself. A very striking religious coin series, that should have considerable appeal to that large market, either as a complete series, or for an individual design with particular resonance.
TABLE OF CONTENTS
ST. PETER
St. Peter, originally named Simon, is often regarded as the foremost apostle due to his leadership and unwavering faith. Born in Bethsaida, a town in Galilee, he was a fisherman, working alongside his brother Andrew before being called to discipleship by Jesus. Simon was given the name Peter (Petros, meaning “rock”) by Jesus, symbolizing the foundational role he would play in the early Christian church.
Peter was a central figure in many pivotal events recorded in the New Testament, witnessing numerous miracles performed by Jesus, including the healing of his mother-in-law, the Transfiguration, and the miraculous catch of fish. He famously declared Jesus as the Messiah, to which Jesus responded by declaring Peter the “rock” upon which He would build His church. He was often the spokesperson for the apostles and played a crucial role in the early spread of Christianity.
Peter eventually travelled to Rome, where he continued to preach and lead the early Christian community. His unwavering commitment to his faith ultimately led to his arrest and martyrdom during the reign of Emperor Nero. According to tradition and early church writings, Peter was sentenced to death by crucifixion. However, considering his unworthiness to die in the same manner as Jesus, Peter requested to be crucified upside down.
Reverse: features an exquisitely detailed depiction of the upside-down crucifixion of St. Peter, symbolizing his humility and devotion. The intricate design showcases St. Peter’s serene expression in the face of martyrdom, embodying his unwavering faith. Surrounded by ornate embellishments, the scene is framed by the words “ST. PETER,” ensuring the story of his sacrifice is forever immortalized.
Obverse: the grandeur continues with a magnificent representation of an ancient key, symbolizing St. Peter’s role as the keeper of the keys to Heaven. The rich, baroque-inspired details are meticulously engraved
DENOMINATION | COMPOSITION | DIMENSIONS | FINISH | MINTAGE |
2,000 Francs CFA (Cameroon) | 62.2 grams of 0.999 silver | 66.6 x 60.0 mm | Antique or Gilded | 199 |
ST ANDREW
St. Andrew, one of the earliest followers of Jesus, was the brother of St. Peter and a fisherman by trade. Known as the “First-Called,” he was among the first apostles to recognize Jesus as the Messiah. His evangelistic spirit led him to spread the teachings of Jesus far beyond his homeland, journeying through lands such as Greece and Asia Minor, bringing the light of Christianity to countless souls.
According to tradition, St. Andrew met his martyrdom in the Greek city of Patras, where he was sentenced to die on a diagonal cross, now famously known as the Saltire. He chose this cross out of humility, feeling unworthy to be crucified in the same manner as Jesus. This powerful symbol of self-sacrifice has inspired generations and continues to be a profound testament to his faith.
Reverse: features a striking image of St. Andrew bound to the iconic X-shaped cross, known as the Saltire, which symbolizes his humility and devotion. The scene is both dramatic and serene, depicting St. Andrew with arms stretched wide, accepting his fate with a calm and dignified expression. The intricate gold foil highlights the cross itself, giving it a rich, baroque-inspired texture that contrasts beautifully with the silver.
Obverse: featuring two elegant thistle flowers intertwined with the cross, representing St. Andrew’s association with Scotland and his role as its patron saint.
DENOMINATION | COMPOSITION | DIMENSIONS | FINISH | MINTAGE |
2,000 Francs CFA (Cameroon) | 62.2 grams of 0.999 silver | 45.0 x 48.5 mm | Antique or Gilded | 199 |
ST SIMON THE ZEALOT
St. Simon, also known as Simon the Zealot, was a lesser-known but deeply devoted apostle. He spread the teachings of Christianity with fervour, even in the most dangerous circumstances. His title, “the Zealot,” reflects his passionate dedication to the gospel. Tradition holds that he was martyred by being sawed in half, an act of profound faith and sacrifice.
The saw, prominently featured in this coin’s reverse design, serves as a symbol of St. Simon’s ultimate sacrifice. His life and death remind us of the strength required to stay true to one’s beliefs in the face of immense challenges. His martyrdom serves as a timeless testament to his faith.
Reverse: features St. Simon in the moment of his martyrdom, holding a saw—symbolizing his brutal end for the sake of his faith. His muscular figure, intricately detailed, shows the strength and resilience that defined his life. The rich gold gilding highlights the saw and accents the surrounding textures, while the intricate patterns etched around him bring a sense of movement and depth.
Obverse: features an elegant and regal design, centred on an ornate cross, highlighted with gold gilding. Surrounding the cross are decorative elements, including two intertwining dragons, representing the challenges St. Simon faced and overcame during his life.
DENOMINATION | COMPOSITION | DIMENSIONS | FINISH | MINTAGE |
2,000 Francs CFA (Cameroon) | 62.2 grams of 0.999 silver | 45.0 x 48.5 mm | Antique or Gilded | 199 |
ST. JAMES THE GREAT
St. James the Great was among the first apostles called by Jesus and is known for his fervent dedication to spreading the Gospel. Traveling to distant lands—including the Iberian Peninsula—he sowed the seeds of Christianity far and wide. After returning to Jerusalem, he became the first of the apostles to be martyred, beheaded for his faith.
His remains were later transported to Spain, where they are enshrined at the Cathedral of Santiago de Compostela—the final destination of the famed Camino de Santiago pilgrimage. For centuries, pilgrims have journeyed these paths, seeking both physical endurance and spiritual clarity under St. James’s protection.
Reverse: depicts the powerful moment of St. James’s martyrdom. Captured in intricate high relief, the scene portrays the apostle’s beheading—symbolizing his unwavering dedication to his faith even in the face of death. The surrounding scallop shell design—a universal emblem of pilgrimage—frames the composition, paying homage to the countless journeys undertaken in his name along the Camino de Santiago.
Obverse: features the iconic Cross of Saint James set against the ridges of a scallop shell, symbolizing pilgrimage, faith, and the journey of the soul. The cross, shaped like a sword, reflects St. James’s spiritual and protective roles, guiding pilgrims through physical and spiritual paths.
DENOMINATION | COMPOSITION | DIMENSIONS | FINISH | MINTAGE |
2,000 Francs CFA (Cameroon) | 62.2 grams of 0.999 silver | 42.0 x 46.0 mm | Antique or Gilded | 199 |
ST. THOMAS
Unlike most of the apostles who remained in the Roman world, St. Thomas embarked on one of the greatest missionary journeys in history, travelling further than any of his brethren. His path led him to the East—to Persia, Parthia, and ultimately to India. In India, Thomas founded Christian communities and spread the Gospel to a land untouched by the teachings of Christ. Even today, the Saint Thomas Christians of Kerala trace their spiritual heritage directly to him. Legends recount his miracles—healing the sick, converting kings, and building churches with his own hands.
However, his devotion eventually led to martyrdom. St. Thomas was pierced by a spear in Mylapore, India, where he was killed for his faith. His remains are enshrined in India, and to this day, thousands make pilgrimages to his tomb, paying homage to the apostle who turned scepticism into strength and brought Christianity to the East.
Reverse: captures the most defining moment of his life—the moment his doubt was replaced by faith. The high-relief engraving brings this intense scene to life, depicting St. Thomas touching Christ’s wounds, his face etched with astonishment, reverence, and conviction.
Obverse: features the Cross of St. Thomas, an intricately woven structure of faith, doubt, and devotion. Unlike traditional designs, this cross reflects fluid, organic shapes intertwined with strong, defined elements, representing the complexity of belief—the tension between uncertainty and unwavering conviction.
DENOMINATION | COMPOSITION | DIMENSIONS | FINISH | MINTAGE |
2,000 Francs CFA (Cameroon) | 62.2 grams of 0.999 silver | 60.0 x 60.0 mm | Antique, UV enamel | 199 |
ST. MATTHIAS
Among the apostles who walked in the footsteps of Jesus Christ, St. Matthias stands as a figure of both mystery and profound spiritual significance. Unlike the others, Matthias was not called during Jesus’s earthly ministry, but was instead chosen by the other apostles after the ascension of Christ, filling the void left by Judas Iscariot’s betrayal.
St. Matthias’s martyrdom stands as a final act of devotion, sealing his witness with his own blood. Though historical accounts vary, several traditions describe his brutal death by stoning, followed by beheading with an axe.
Reverse: depicts the powerful and sombre moment of his martyrdom, historically believed to have been through stoning and beheading—symbolized dramatically in this piece. Emerging from the scene, a figure of St. Matthias appears breaking through a field of jagged stones, gazing upwards with serenity and resolve, embodying his final witness of faith.
Obverse: introduces a guillotine-like frame, symbolizing martyrdom and sacrifice, representing the harsh yet sanctified fate that awaited many apostles, including Matthias. Crafted with wood-textured motifs and structural bolts.
DENOMINATION | COMPOSITION | DIMENSIONS | FINISH | MINTAGE |
2,000 Francs CFA (Cameroon) | 62.2 grams of 0.999 silver | 37.5 x 60.0 mm | Antique or Gilded | 199 |
ST. PHILIP
First called in Galilee by Jesus Himself, Philip’s story is one of immediate trust and personal witness. Upon meeting Christ, he declared: “We have found Him of whom Moses and the Prophets wrote.” — John 1:45 His role among the apostles was defined by genuine curiosity and a thirst for deeper understanding.
During the Last Supper, Philip asked: “Lord, show us the Father, and that will be enough for us.” — John 14:8 Jesus’s profound reply—“Whoever has seen me has seen the Father”—cemented Philip’s place in the narrative of divine revelation. Following the resurrection, Philip preached the Gospel in Phrygia (modern-day Turkey), where he was ultimately arrested and condemned for challenging idol worship.
Reverse: portrays St. Philip bound to a cross, crucified upside down, his arms stretched in surrender and his body contorted yet composed. This moment of martyrdom—set against a rugged cross—is more than a death scene; it’s a visual sermon of sacrifice, conviction, and triumph over fear.
Obverse: The obverse transforms into a symbolic tapestry of Philip’s faith and service, showing a basket of loaves, recalling the Feeding of the Five Thousand, where Jesus tested Philip’s understanding of provision. Two fish on either side of the cross, referencing divine abundance and Philip’s role in helping others “find the Bread of Life.”
DENOMINATION | COMPOSITION | DIMENSIONS | FINISH | MINTAGE |
2,000 Francs CFA (Cameroon) | 62.2 grams of 0.999 silver | 50.0 x 70.0 mm | Antique or Gilded | 199 |
ST. BARTHOLOMEW
Bartholomew, often identified with Nathanael in the Gospel of John, was a man described by Jesus as “an Israelite indeed, in whom is no deceit.” (John 1:47). Known for his sincerity and spiritual depth, he followed Jesus faithfully, traveling as far as India and Armenia to preach the Gospel.
His martyrdom, however, is among the most harrowing in apostolic history. Tradition tells us that he was flayed alive before being beheaded for refusing to renounce his faith. Despite the agony, his faith held firm, and his death became a chilling yet inspiring testimony of unshakeable belief.
Reverse: presents a striking vision of Bartholomew post-martyrdom, standing boldly, his flayed body exposed yet unbowed, holding both the knife of his execution and his own removed skin. This unsettling yet majestic representation reflects his triumph over torture and death.
Obverse: depicts the moment of Bartholomew’s horrific martyrdom. One figure restrains him while another carries out the flaying with chilling precision. Yet amidst the violence, Bartholomew’s face remains composed—a testimony to his spiritual transcendence.
DENOMINATION | COMPOSITION | DIMENSIONS | FINISH | MINTAGE |
2,000 Francs CFA (Cameroon) | 62.2 grams of 0.999 silver | 50.0 x 70.0 mm | Antique or Gilded | 199 |
ST. MATTHEW
Once a tax collector named Levi, Matthew was called by Jesus with two simple words: “Follow me.” Without hesitation, he left behind his worldly profession to walk the path of faith. As the attributed author of the Gospel of Matthew, his writings laid the foundation for Christ’s teachings to reach generations.
Tradition holds that Matthew continued his ministry far beyond Judea, spreading the Gospel in distant lands. His devotion led to martyrdom—accounts vary, but most agree he was slain while celebrating Mass, a powerful testament to a life given wholly to God.
Reverse: features a majestic depiction of St. Matthew as the angelic evangelist, holding a scroll bearing his name. With serene dignity, framed by sweeping angel wings, he stands as a guardian of the Gospel and a beacon of divine wisdom.
Obverse: vividly portrays the dramatic scene of St. Matthew’s martyrdom. As he extends his hand towards the divine, an angel descends from the heavens, offering a palm of victory. The moment captures both earthly violence and celestial grace—where the blade of his assassin meets the promise of eternal life.
DENOMINATION | COMPOSITION | DIMENSIONS | FINISH | MINTAGE |
2,000 Francs CFA (Cameroon) | 62.2 grams of 0.999 silver | 33.0 x 60.0 mm | Antique or Gilded | 199 |
ST. JOHN
John the Apostle also known as Saint John the Beloved and, in Eastern Orthodox Christianity, Saint John the Theologian, was generally listed as the youngest apostle, and was the son of Zebedee and Salome. His brother James was another of the Twelve Apostles. The Church Fathers identify him as John the Evangelist, John of Patmos, John the Elder, and the Beloved Disciple, and claim that he outlived the remaining apostles and was the only one to die of natural causes, although modern scholars are divided on the veracity of these claims.
He is traditionally held to be the author of the Gospel of John, and many Christian denominations believe that he authored several other books of the New Testament (the three Johannine epistles and the Book of Revelation, together with the Gospel of John, are called the Johannine works), depending on whether he is distinguished from, or identified with, John the Evangelist, John the Elder, and John of Patmos. (Source: Wikipedia)
Reverse: offers a tender portrayal of St. John beneath the Cross of Christ. Draped in flowing robes, he rests wearily at an altar strewn with scrolls and texts, symbolic of his role as Evangelist and theologian. The solid wooden cross rises behind him—uniting grief, duty, and divine commission in one solemn moment.
Obverse: The obverse captures St. John’s divine vision on the island of Patmos. A heavenly cloud opens above, from which rays of divine light pour down upon five glorious angels. Each figure is positioned in awe and motion, representing the unfolding of the final prophecy entrusted to John.
DENOMINATION | COMPOSITION | DIMENSIONS | FINISH | MINTAGE |
2,000 Francs CFA (Cameroon) | 62.2 grams of 0.999 silver | 60.0 x 60.0 mm | Antique or Gilded | 199 |
ST. JAMES THE LESS
James the Less is a figure of early Christianity, and is also called “the Minor”, “the Little”, “the Lesser”, or “the Younger”, according to translation. James is styled “the Less” to distinguish him from the Apostle James the Great (also called “James the Elder”) with “Less” meaning younger or shorter, rather than less important, and was the brother of John the Apostle.
In two small but potentially important works ascribed by some to Hippolytus, On the Twelve Apostles of Christ and On the Seventy Apostles of Christ, he relates the following: “And James the son of Alphaeus, when preaching in Jerusalem was stoned to death by the Jews, and was buried there beside the temple.” James, the brother of Jesus is attributed the same death; he was stoned to death by the Jews too. This testimony of “Hippolytus”, if authentic, would increase the plausibility that James the son of Alphaeus is the same person as James the brother of Jesus. (Source: Wikipedia)
Reverse: reveals a dramatic and reverent portrayal of St. James the Less at the moment of crucifixion. Rendered with anatomical precision and emotional gravity, he kneels against the cross, arms outstretched in surrender and sanctity. His serene expression and flowing robes communicate a divine acceptance of his fate.
Obverse: presents a minimalist yet deeply symbolic depiction: a carpenter’s saw laid diagonally across a rugged wooden cross. This tool is not arbitrary—it represents the method of St. James the Less’s martyrdom. Encircling the cross are sculpted stones, symbolic of the trials and stonings endured by the faithful.
DENOMINATION | COMPOSITION | DIMENSIONS | FINISH | MINTAGE |
2,000 Francs CFA (Cameroon) | 62.2 grams of 0.999 silver | 60.0 x 65.0 mm | Antique or Gilded | 199 |