It’s time for the sixth tranche of issues in Mint XXI’s 36 coin series of high-relief silver coins bringing to life the wild creations in the Ancient Greek pantheon. Each tranche consists of three coins, a mix of one, two or three ounce coins. For this last debut of 2023, we have a pair of two ounce coins, and a solitary one-ounce, all dated 2024. The overall set will launch over a dozen tranches, and as there are only eight three-ounce coins overall, the lack of one here is not unexpected.

The one-ounce coin this time is Charon, depicting the ferryman on his boat, with an outstretched hand filled with gilded coins, a particularly neat design touch. The smallest coins often depict lesser characters, or beasts, but they seem to lose nothing in quality of design, or relief, often being our favourites. The other two are equally interesting. Theseus and Ariadne tells the story of the Minotaur, and the depiction of Ariadne giving the gilded thread to Theseus, is a nice encapsulation of the tale. The Nike coins looks beautiful, again, expertly bringing all the important elements of the goddess into a single scene.

Unfortunately, we’ve only got the renders this time, not the actual coin images given to us for the fourth and fifth batch of releases, but the designs are clear, and we know previous coins have been exceptional in hand, so we expect the same is true here. Packaging remains the same as before, and these will go into the collector trays just like all the others. Have a look at our article covering the fifth tranche for more information on those. These coins are available to order now, An exceptional series.

Theseus, a legendary figure in Greek mythology, embarked on a perilous quest to slay the Minotaur, residing within the labyrinth of Crete. Ariadne, the daughter of King Minos, fell deeply in love with Theseus and devised a cunning plan to aid him. She provided him with a thread, allowing him to navigate the labyrinth’s intricate passages and ultimately defeat the monstrous Minotaur.

Grateful for her assistance, Theseus promised to take Ariadne with him to Athens. However, their journey took an unexpected turn when, on the island of Naxos, Theseus abandoned Ariadne. Despite the heartbreak, Ariadne’s fate continued with divine intervention, as the god Dionysus rescued and married her.

Nike, in ancient Greek mythology, is the winged goddess of victory. Revered as a divine force embodying triumph and success, Nike played a pivotal role in the pantheon. Often depicted with wings, she symbolized swift and sure-footed victory, accompanying warriors on the battlefield. Worshipped as a bringer of glory, Nike presided over athletic contests, ensuring the victors received their due accolades.

Her presence was invoked in moments of achievement and conquest, emphasizing the profound connection between divine favour and triumphant endeavours. Beyond a mere deity, Nike was an eternal embodiment of the sweet taste of victory, revered by those seeking success in various facets of life.

Charon is a prominent figure in Greek mythology, serving as the ferryman of the Underworld. Depicted as a grim, solitary figure, Charon’s primary duty is to transport the souls of the deceased across the River Styx, a boundary between the world of the living and the realm of the dead.

For a fee, usually an obolus placed in the mouths of the deceased during burial rites, Charon ensures safe passage to the afterlife. Those unable to pay wander the shores as restless spirits. Charon embodies the solemnity and inevitability of death, playing a crucial role in the ancient Greeks’ beliefs about the journey beyond life.