The last of the six ‘Biblical Stories’ coins for 2015 has launched by the Scottsdale Mint in the United States and follows on from, Exodus, The Crucifixion of Jesus, David and Goliath, The Ten Commandments. and Death on a Pale Horse. All have as their inspiration the artwork from a highly regarded 19th century wood engraving specialist, Gustave Doré.
Paul Gustave Louis Christophe Doré was a French artist, illustrator, printmaker and sculptor who worked primarily with wood engraving. Doré was a prolific artist and his bible series first published in 1865 numbered several hundred illustrations in total. This sixth coin depicts The New Jerusalem, a story from the New Testament. The obverse is the superior Maklouf image of Elizabeth II, not the more common and the later Ian Rank Broadley version, and the laser-etched serial number on the rim that matches the certificate remains. If you’re a fan of the previous coins, this one is unlikely to disappoint.
Sold exclusively through APMEX in the US, the coin remains at $179.99. The first coin is now at $225.00, the second at $219.99, and the third at $199.99. For the moment, the last three coins are at $179.99 but we wouldn’t rule out rises, not a tactic we’re fans of here. A six-coin collectors box of fine design is out as well and looks a good way to collate a 2015 series. Made of leather and styled like a book, it looks a beautiful piece and sells for $74.99. A fitting way to hold the collection and APMEX have started selling the whole set in the book with matching serial numbers for $1375.00 USD, a huge $220.00 premium on launch prices.
MINTS DESCRIPTION
According to Revelation 21 of the Christian Bible, John is taken to a mountain to look upon the city, prepared by God for those washed in the blood of the lamb. John describes its gates, vastness, precious stones and lack of sun and moon. For who needs a sun or moon when God casts his own light?
The holy city, depicted in Gustave Doré’s 1865 engraving “The New Jerusalem,” is the inspiration for the U.S.-based Scottsdale Mint’s latest Silver coin. With deliberate detail, the coin features John atop the mountain with an angel. Invoking fear, majesty and awe, the holy city offers a new home and hope to believers.
“The New Jerusalem coin is uniquely dark. While it overall represents redemption and salvation, the somber tone of its inspiration demands reverence and reflection,” said APMEX Vice President of Merchandising Andrew Martineau. “To cast this scene in Silver, especially one that references streets of Gold, is beautifully bold. It becomes a haunting piece that Biblical scholars and those interested in apocalyptic prophecies will truly appreciate.”
REVERSE: Inspired by Gustave Doré’s illustration of “The New Jerusalem” depicting an angel showing John the new holy city, which is described as the ultimate Promised Land.
OBVERSE: Features the Raphael Maklouf likeness of Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth II surrounded by the weight, purity and face value.
With a limited mintage of 1,499 coins, New Jerusalem is categorized as a collector’s item. Each coin comes with a certificate of authenticity telling the story of the coin, its minting specifications and a unique serial number that matches the laser-etched number on the coin. The certificate also features a printing of Doré’s artwork. The coin is issued by the Scottsdale Mint by the authority of the island of Niue, where it is legal tender.
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