The Sea Serpent Mythical Creature 2 oz Silver Coin $5 Niue 2024
 
Is the Third release of the Mythical Creatures series, also includ:
2023 - THE KRAKEN
2023 - SIREN
2024 - THE SEA SEPENT
 
The Mythical Sea Creatures Series concludes with the dreaded Sea Serpent! Sea Serpents have been known to, and terrorized, mariners since the dawn of history, and it's easy to see why! This ocean-going bad boy brooks no challenge, whether from whales, giant squid, or trireme galleys of Ancient Greece.
 
All fall prey to this mammoth marine menace. In fact, a whole host of specifically named Sea Serpents populated the Mediterranean during the classic Greek period, including Hydra, Scylla, Cetus, and Echidna.
 
Many other ancient people reported Sea Serpents as well. Ancient Mesopotamia lived in fear of Tiamat, while numerous Sea Serpents can be found in the Hebrew Bible (Old Testament), including Leviathan, the largest of them all. Not to be outdone, Homer writes of a Sea Serpent that emerges from off the coast of Troy and consumes Laocoon and his sons, silencing their argument against bringing the Trojan Horse inside the city's walls. And, as they say, the rest is history. In the middle ages, Viking sailors kept a wary lookout for Sea Serpents, the largest of which was known as Jormungandr.
 
Of course, we'd be remiss not to mention the most famous Sea Serpent of them all, the Loch Ness Monster. Reported to live in the long and deep Scottish loch, Nessie, as she is affectionately known, was first mentioned in the Dark Ages chronicle The Life of St. Columba. Believers theorize that a relict population of Plesiosaurs survived from the Cretaceous Period, the age of dinosaurs, more than 65 million years ago. Who knows—the coelocanth was believed to have gone extinct 66 million years ago, until being rediscovered in the Indian Ocean in 1938. Nessie plays a crucial role in The Police's 1983 hit "Synchronicity II", which we hope most sincerely you have not forgotten.North America lays claim to a small number of Sea Serpents, the best known being perhaps Memphré, who reputedly resides in Lake Memphremagog, which straddles the Vermont (US) Québec (Canada) border. Does this give Memphré dual citizenship?
 
Perfect for portraying such a belligerent behemoth, this large, 2 troy ounce pure silver proof is a true numismatic work of art! Utilizing the entire 55 mm planchet from edge to edge, a striking Sea Serpent emerges from the roiling waters, depicted in stunning hues. The swirling colors and intricate engraving depict this marine monster at its most menacing. Our advice is simple capture this creature and make it yours today.
 
Special Nautical Reverse
The special reverse, unique to the Mythical Sea Creatures series, is almost as intriguing (but not quite). Surrounding the public seal of Niue is the round helm (wheel for steering) of a sailing ship. Fantastical sea creatures inhabit the spaces between the spokes: Giant Squid (perhaps the origin of the Kraken myths) Sirens, helmeted, with flowing hair and trident Flying Lionfish Giant CrabThe nautical theme is completed by the cresting wave motif encircling near the rim.
 
Obverse
A full-planchet portrayal of a terrifying Sea Serpent, enhanced by full digital color. The legend SEA SERPENT defines the theme.
 
Reverse
Please see description just above. In the Niue an coat of arms, the slogan ATUA NIUE TUKULAGI translates as "God, Niue Forever". The date of issue and denomination also appear, while the legend 2 OZ 999 SILVER guarantees the weight and purity.
 
Packaging
The coin is encapsulated inside a luxurious wooden clamshell-style presentation case, lined with black velvet and satin, and protected by a full color outer cardboard box. An individually-numbered certificate of authenticity is included.