WMF ’23: The epic destruction of Pompeii in 79 AD inspires Numiscollect’s first Fury of Nature coin

Numiscollect’s latest series is simply called ‘Fury of Nature’, and as we’re discovering to this very day (the NZ Mint’s city of Auckland is currently flooded, for example), nothing shows fury like Mother Nature herself. It’s a clever idea for a series, given even ancient historical records are filled with accounts of natural catastrophes, and indeed, we can thank Pliny the Elder for one describing in graphic detail the destruction of Pompeii by the volcano, Vesuvius.

The coin depicts the panic that must have been felt by the citizens, and the ash cloud is well depicted, as is the pyroclastic flow, basically a super-heated, very fast moving ash cloud at ground-level, that did all the destruction. Pompeii wasn’t destroyed by lava. It’s a nice inclusion, and proof that someone has done their homework. The obverse shows the aftermath in modern times, including a nice rendition of a piece of wall art from the ruins. If you haven’t been, I’d recommend putting it, and the even more impressive Herculaneum, on your bucket list

The coin is replete with smartminted high-relief on both faces, and that technically excellent antique-finish that often comes with it. This is a two-ounce coin with a 555 mintage, that is presented boxed with a Certificate of Authenticity. An excellent debut for a series that will certainly go to the top of our watch list for the future. It will be interesting to see which of natures attempts to get rid of us comes next…