The signs of the zodiac, and goddesses from around the world feature on a new 5oz silver coin from Coins Australia, and the Perth Mint

The signs of the zodiac are one of those perennial themes in the modern coin world, with one or two series in progress at any one time, but most of them take a traditional view of this ancient form of mysticism. However, a new coin from Coins Australia, in conjunction with the Perth Mint, takes a different route in depicting the twelve symbols. Taking another popular numismatic trope – the female personification – this coin associates each symbol with a goddess from one of the world’s countless different religious pantheons.

The centrepiece of the coin’s reverse face is a traditional sun symbol, surrounded by the twelve sigils representing the different astrological symbols. Stood above each symbol’s segment, and radiating outwards, stands a coloured representation of the chosen goddess, themed in purple, and placed over a moon, and a deep blue sky.

The goddesses (listed out lower down) are mainly Ancient Greek, but with a mix of Hindu, African, Islamic, and Roman thrown in for variety. It’s a nice design overall, similar in concept to some of the other five-ounce antiqued silver coins put out by Coins Australia and the Perth Mint. The obverse is just a basic effigy of King Charles III, and packaging consists of a black box in a themed shipper, along with a certificate of authenticity. Available today, it has a mintage of 388 pieces.

Each Zodiac sign has a goddess from one of the many religions around the world associated to it. They are;

ARIES: Athena, the goddess of wisdom and war, encapsulates Aries’ bravery, leadership, and strategic mindset.

TAURUS: Demeter, the goddess of harvest and fertility, mirrors Taurus’s love for beauty, comfort, and natural pleasures.

GEMINI: Iris, the goddess of communication, symbolises Gemini’s quick-wit, adaptability and versatile nature.

CANCER: Artemis, the goddess of the moon and the hunt, portrays Cancer’s emotional depth and caretaking instincts.

LEO: Sekhmet, the Egyptian lioness goddess of the sun and war, manifests Leo’s strength, power, and charisma.

VIRGO: Persephone, the goddess of the underworld and rebirth, reflects Virgo’s analytical and transformative nature.

LIBRA: Themis, the goddess of justice, perfectly represents Libra’s desire for harmony and fairness.

SCORPIO: Kali, the goddess of destruction and transformation, manifests Scorpio’s emotion and capacity for deep transformation.

SAGITTARIUS: Diana, the goddess of nature and wild animals, aligns with Sagittarius’s adventurous and philosophical nature.

CAPRICORN: Hestia, the goddess of home and hearth, signifies Capricorn’s discipline, responsibility, ambition and commitment to family.

AQUARIUS: Saraswati, the goddess of wisdom and knowledge, embodies Aquarius’s innovative intellect, creativity and visionary thinking.

PISCES: Yemaya, the African ocean goddess, mirrors Pisces’s compassionate nature, deep emotional and spiritual connection.

DENOMINATION COMPOSITION DIAMETER FINISH MINTAGE
$5 TVD (Tuvalu) 155.5 g of 0.9999 silver 55.9 mm Antique, Colour 388