This startling Cyclopes silver coin is the fifth coin to be released in the Creatures of Greek Mythology collection.
In Greek mythology, the Cyclopes were a race of giants, each with a single eye in the centre of their forehead. Having been imprisoned by the Titans, the Cyclopes were released by the God Zeus. As a reward for this favour, they crafted Zeus his weapons of lighting and thunder.
In Homer's Odyssey, Odysseus was trapped in the cave of a Cyclops named Polyphemus, who consumed many of his men. Odysseus tricked Polyphemus into becoming intoxicated, telling him that his name was ‘Nobody’. While in this state, he blinded him with a red hot poker. Polyphemus’ calls for help from ‘Nobody’ were ignored.
The next day Odysseus escaped by clinging to the belly of Polyphemus’ sheep as they were released to graze. As he sailed away, Odysseus called out his name, leading to Polyphemus asking his father Poseidon to avenge this wrong.
The coin design shows an engraved illustration of the single-eyed lawless giant, known as Cyclops, being blinded by Odysseus and his men.
The Creatures of Greek Mythology – Cyclopes 1oz Silver coin is packaged in a brown, faux-suede soft drawstring bag, styled after ancient Greek money pouches. The coin sits in an especially designed pocket within the money pouch and the Certificate of Authenticity is printed on the inside of the packaging.
The New Zealand Mint will release no more than 2,000 of the 2016 Creatures Of Greek Mythology - Cyclopes 1oz Silver Proof Coin.
Mint | New Zealand Mint |
---|---|
Year | 2018 |
Denomination | $1 |
Metal Type | Silver |
Weight (g) | 28.349 |
Purity (%) | 99.9 |
Diameter (mm) | 40.00 |
Mintage | 10,000 |