The Scottsdale Mints ‘Biblical Stories’ coin series is inspired by respected 19th century wood engraving specialist, Gustave Doré and is currently about the most ambitious coin series around, although still eminently attainable. Paul Gustave Louis Christophe Doré was a French artist, illustrator, printmaker and sculptor, and his bible series, first published in 1865 numbered several hundred illustrations in total. He is most associated with his work illustrating the writer Dante’s novels, but it is from his huge collection of woodcuts depicting scenes from the Bible that Scottsdale has decided to choose sixty images for its ten-year, six coins per year series.
The third coin for 2016 depicts the ejection of Adam and Eve from the Garden of Eden and it’s a nice piece of work. The obverse features the Ralph Maklouf image of Elizabeth II, and the laser-etched serial number on the rim is matched on the the enclosed Certificate of Authenticity. Again, collectors of previous coins will like this one a lot we’d imagine. We’ve covered every one of the six 2015 coins, and they are Exodus, The Crucifixion of Jesus, David and Goliath, The Ten Commandments, Death on a Pale Horse, and New Jerusalem. There are three more for the 2016 run to run to completion. Probably time for an updateable guide to these soon, now that there are nine coins out.
The coins are sold exclusively through APMEX in the US, although other dealers worldwide also have them, and the coin stays at $179.99. The six-coin collectors box will return to collate a 2016 series. Made of leather and styled like a book, it looks a beautiful piece and sells for $74.99. Very well designed and expertly struck, if the subject matter appeals, these are about as good as bible coins get in our opinion. Struck in 2oz of high-relief fine silver, rimless, and very well antiqued, these stand head-to-head with the other ancient gods series out there, of which the similar Scottsdales Norse Gods 15-coin series is a good one.
MINTS DESCRIPTION
Adam and Eve is the third release in the 2016 six coin series and the 9th coin released of iconic Biblical scenes. Each of these 2 oz Silver coins has a mintage of just 1,499 and features an impressive high-relief, rimless design. Included certificate of authenticity lists Genesis 3:22-24, in which God banishes Adam and Eve from the Garden of Eden.
REVERSE: Inspired by Gustave Doré’s illustration of “Adam and Eve Driven out of Eden” depicting an angel, with sword in right hand, pointing the way out of the Garden of Eden as Adam and Eve embark into the new wilderness.
OBVERSE: Features the Raphael Maklouf likeness of Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth II surrounded by the weight, purity and face value.
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Very impressed with this coin. I have just started buying this series and plan to get the others as I’m now in love with these coins. Quality is incredible and captures the ancient art.