Utilizați butonul de Translate din dreapta pagini pentru traducere.
The second installment in the Mythical Creatures series brings us closer to the protagonist of many maritime legends, the mermaid. This new coin continues the journey begun by the collection, which pays tribute to the fantastical beings that have inhabited the collective imagination of different cultures throughout history.
The figure of the mermaid is, without a doubt, one of the most iconic creatures in universal tradition. Her image, half woman and half fish, has spanned centuries of history, adapting to the imaginations of diverse cultures and always maintaining an aura of mystery and fascination. Far from being a single figure, the mermaid represents a complex amalgamation of symbols: unattainable beauty, seductive song, and hidden danger.
The first references to siren-like beings appear in Mesopotamian and Assyrian mythology, but it was in the Greek world that their figure took on more defined features. Originally depicted as winged creatures with a bird's body and a female face, the Greek sirens were guardians of the afterlife, known for their irresistible song that lured sailors to their doom. Over time—and particularly in the Middle Ages—this figure transformed into what we know today: a sea creature with a female human torso and a fish tail.
This evolution reflects not only aesthetic changes, but also profound shifts in the symbolic perception of the mermaid. In medieval Christian imagery, for example, the mermaid embodied temptation and sin, acting as a metaphor for the dangers of the flesh and desire. However, in other traditions, such as Scandinavian or African, she was also seen as a protective, wise, or even benevolent figure, associated with the power of water and fertility.
Beyond folklore, the mermaid has inspired countless works in literature, art, music, and, more recently, film. From Homer's Odyssey to Hans Christian Andersen's The Little Mermaid, her presence has been constant, transforming over time but always retaining her essence.
The reverse depicts a mermaid holding a skull, an element that alludes to the danger associated with her figure in mythology. Her hair and tail, fluidly drawn, evoke movement. Above the scene, the inscription "THE SIREN" stands out, identifying the creature in question.
The obverse features Niue's coat of arms, embedded in the center of a ship's wheel, a nautical symbol that reinforces the series' theme. Surrounding it are representations of other mythical creatures.
Technical characteristics
Year: 2025
Country: Niue
Face value: 1 dollar
Metal: Silver
Purity: 999
Weight: 31.1 g
Diameter: 39 mm
Quality: BU
Print: 5,000
Sursa informațiilor aici.
Niciun comentariu:
Trimiteți un comentariu