Gods of Olympus - Zeus, Poseidon and Hades
Introduction
Today I would like to write about a unique coin series that was extremely popular when it was released in 2014. This three-coin series celebrates some of the most well-known and intriguing Gods in Greek mythology - Zeus, Poseidon and Hades, struck in 2oz of .999 pure silver. The brilliant high relief with an antique finish highlights the depth detail of the design:
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Zeus - the inaugural coin in the series featured Zeus, who is the king of the gods of Mount Olympus. In Greek mythology he is the god of sky and thunder. His Roman mythology equivalent is Jupiter. source
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Poseidon - the second coin in the series featured Poseidon. In Greek mythology he is the god of the sea, storms, earthquakes and horses. His Roman mythology equivalent is Neptune. source
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Hades - the third and final coin in the series featured Hades. In Greek mythology he is the god of the dead and the king of the underworld. His Roman mythology equivalent is most commonly stated as Pluto, but this is a bit more of a conundrum as there were also two Roman gods of the underworld, Orcus and Dis Pater, who could also be considered his equivalent.
Titanomachy
Zeus and his brothers Hades and Poseidon, overthrew their father Cronus and defeated the Titans, in the combat called the Titanomachy. After they claimed rulership over the cosmos, the three brothers drew lots: Zeus received the sky and thunder, Poseidon received the sea and storms and Hades the world of the dead or underworld. Gaia or the solid earth, could not be claimed. She was left to all three brothers, each according to their capabilities.
The Coin Search
This coin series was extremely popular when released. I missed out on getting the first coin, Zeus, via the Perth Mint website, even though I was ready and waiting to place my order.
I was gutted at the time, as I thought I had missed my opportunity. After I settled down, I thought to myself, "why don't I go try the local post shop as they always seem to stock Perth Mint semi-numismatic coins."
Off I went during my lunch break, very excited to check out my local Post Shop. Unfortunately they too had already sold out their allocation of the Zeus coin. Just as I was about to give up hope, I was approached by a very kind lady, who asked if she could be of any help.
I explained my situation to her and to my surprise she said she may still be able to help me. She jumped on the phone and began to call a number of other post shop stores to see if they had any coins available. She had no luck after calling the first few stores, but she calmly hung up the phone and told me to leave it with her. I left the store very thankful for her help, but not very hopeful that she would succeed.
The Phone Call
After a couple weeks went by and I had heard nothing. I started to write-off of the idea of collecting this coin series. Then one day while I was at work my mobile phone rang, it was an unknown number so I was in two minds at to whether I should answer it. I answered the call and heard a familiar and kind voice on the other side of the phone, it was the helpful lady from the post shop. My heart rate accelerated slightly, as I anxiously asked her how her search went.
I remember ever so clearly as if it was yesterday the next three words that came out of her mouth, "I found one!" she said with glee in her voice. To this day I still don't really know how she did it, because in my excitement I forgot to ask.
I got up from desk and rushed down to the post shop as soon as I could. She stood there waiting for me as I arrived with the warmest smile on her face, I could tell that she was proud of the fact that she was able to help me out. I walked away a very happy man and so began my journey with the Gods of Olympus coin series.
This beautiful soul of a lady ended up assisting me and another fellow silver stacker to source the other two coins in the series too, which allowed us to avoid the hyped frenzy of the release day. I am so thankful for her and it is so great when you meet truly good people in this world. 👍
Coin Price
The issue price of these coins on the Perth Mint website was AUD $179.00. Due to their popularity, the price on the secondary market increased rapidly, at one point in 2014 the Zeus version of the coin was selling for AUD $700.00. The margin and the demand for the Zeus coin was so attractive at the time, that I actually ended up selling my coin to a stacker over in the UK. There is still a part of me that regrets making the sale as I currently do not have the full set of the series. I am hopeful that I will be able to source another Zeus coin in the future. 🤞
Currently on eBay there are a few sold listings for these coins, the prices range on eBay from AUD $250 - AUD $350.00. The price range has come back down from the lofty highs of 2014, but these coins have definitely held their value for collectors and investors.
Coin Details
The 2oz silver coins, with an antique finish, are issued as legal tender under the authority of the Government of Tivalu with a denomination of two dollars. Each of the coins in the series has an extremely limited mintage of just 1,500 coin sets.
| Mint/Brand: | The Perth Mint Australia |
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| Silver Content: | 2 Troy Ounce |
| Purity: | .999 Silver |
| Denomination: | $2 (Tuvalu) |
| Weight: | 62.27g |
| Diameter: | 40.50mm |
| Thickness: | 6.00mm |
| Mintage: | 1,500 |
| Designer: | Thomas Vaughan |
Outer Box
The outer box is black with silver imagery and writing. The images depict the three Gods of Olympus in The Perth Mint coin series, the gods are Zeus, Poseidon and Hades. The words 'GODS OF OLYMPUS' are written on the top of the box. The name of the god, in this photo, 'POSEIDON', appears below the imagery. On the side of the box is written '2oz SILVER COIN'.
Wooden Display Case
When you remove the high quality cardboard lid of the outer box, you are greeted by a round wooden display case, with detailed illustrations of the three gods seated in their thrones.
Inside the round display case, the words 'The Perth Mint Australia' appear next to the swan logo in silver writing. The antique finish 2oz coin is positioned in the centre of the round display case and is bordered by a silver circular Grecian pattern.
Coin Design
Obverse of Coin
"The obverse of the coin portrays the Ian Rank-Broadley effigy of Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth II, the denomination of Tuvalu 2 Dollars and the year 2014." source perthmint.com
Reverse of Coin
Zeus
"The coin’s reverse depicts a bearded Zeus rising up into the stormy sky wielding his thunderbolt and sceptre with an eagle flying above his shoulder. The design includes the inscription ZEUS and The Perth Mint’s ‘P’ mintmark." source perthmint.com
Poseidon
"The reverse of the coin depicts a bearded Poseidon riding the waves on his chariot pulled by two hippocampi, clutching his trident, with dolphins porpoising in the background. The design includes the inscription POSEIDON and The Perth Mint’s ‘P’ mintmark."
source perthmint.com
Hades
"The reverse of the coin depicts Hades sitting on his throne made of bones and skulls wearing his invisibility helmet. He is accompanied by Cerberus, the three-headed watchdog. The design includes the inscription HADES and The Perth Mint’s ‘P’ mintmark."
source perthmint.com
Post authored by @strenue
