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The noble Gryphon kicks off the new Heraldic Beasts series, struck in one full troy ounce of pure silver with rose gold plating and proof finish!

First in the new Heraldic Beasts program, with a tiny mintage of just 750! Get your Gryphon today!


Immerse yourself in the grandeur of noble tradition with the first masterpiece in the new Heraldic Beasts series, the Gryphon One Troy Ounce Rose Gold-Plated Pure Silver Proof. This remarkable and exclusive work of art is a tribute to the ancient tradition and rich tapestry of heraldry. Belief in gryphons can be traced to the earliest of written history. Indeed, the Gryphon is the oldest recorded mythical creature (see article below). Adopted in Medieval times as a symbol in heraldry and protector of nobility, it was once a royal name, a role it still plays today, as both a surname and a given name.

The 2024 Gryphon $1 Silver Proof breathes life into this historic beast with a strikingly detailed portrayal of a naturalistic gryphon, bathed in regal rose gold, fiercely clutching a shield emblazoned with its heraldic symbol. The mythical beast radiates an aura of majesty and power, capturing the essence of the gryphon's soaring status. With a strictly limited mintage of just 750 worldwide, each Gryphon is housed in a luxury presentation case with individually numbered certificate. Make the first Heraldic Best, the Gryphon, a truly rare part of your noble collection!

The Gryphon in Heraldry
The gryphon (also "griffin" and "griffon") is a legendary creature with the body, tail, and rear legs of a lion, and the head and wings of an eagle, with talons on its front legs. Because the lion is traditionally the king of the beasts, and the eagle the king of the birds, by Medieval times the griffin was considered an especially powerful and majestic creature, fit for royalty. This made Gryphons a natural entry into the heraldic bestiary of the Middle Ages. The heraldic griffin denotes strength in arms, military courage and leadership. Since classical antiquity, griffins were known for guarding precious treasures.

Medieval literature documents Griffin hunts. These quests were not organized to kill the beast, but rather to capture one, as legends and folklore describe how a Griffin is the perfect guardian of the royal treasury, to protect the gold, gems and other priceless possessions of the king. The knight or noble who could secure the king a Griffin would no doubt be rewarded regally!

The Ancient Gryphon
Belief in gryphons is positively ancient and possibly prehistoric. It represents the very oldest mythical beast that has come down to us from antiquity. Griffins are depicted on cylinder seals found in Mesopotamia of the Sumerians, dating as early as the Uruk period (4000 BC). Another example of a winged lion with beak and talons, unearthed in ancient Susa, dates to the 4th millennium BC. It is a rare example of a griffin-like creature with a male lion's mane.

Depictions of gryphons have also been found in the Throne Room of the Royal Minoan Palace of Knossos on Crete, dating to the Bronze Age, c.1500 BC. Writings about gryphons date to the 7th century BC from the classical Greek world.

Interestingly, some experts hold that the belief in griffins may have originated with the discovery of protoceratops and similar dinosaur skulls in the sands of the Middle East in ancient and possibly prehistoric times. The beaked skulls and other huge bones might have been interpreted as proof positive that griffons existed!

Obverse
A naturalistic winged gryphon, bathed in pure rose gold, fiercely clutches a shield emblazoned with its heraldic symbol. The legend GRYPHON denotes the theme.

Reverse
His Majesty, King Charles III, in profile effigy facing left. This portrait was executed by the engraver Jody Clark. The legend CHARLES III, the date of issue and denomination also appear, while the legend 1 OZ 999 SILVER guarantees the weight and purity.

Packaging

The coin is encapsulated inside a luxurious 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.

Image of the back side of the certificate is mint-supplied and for general reference only. Serial number on image is NOT indicative of the serial number you will receive!

Specifications
Country Niue
Year of Issue 2024
   
Face Value One Dollar
Weight 31.39 g
Diameter 38.6 mm
Mintage Limit    750
   
Finish Proof with selective rose gold plating
Composition .999 Fine (Pure) Silver
Edge Serrated (milled, reeded)
   
Artist Jody Clark (reverse)
Certificate Individually Numbered

Niue
Niue is a small island nation in the South Pacific. Although it is completely self-governing and independent, it remains in free association with New Zealand, a member of the British Commonwealth of Nations, hence the portrait of the British monarch on most of its coinage. The country is located about 1,450 miles northeast of New Zealand. It is closest to Samoa, Tonga, and the Cook Islands. It is one of the largest coral islands in the world, with a total area of 260 square kilometers. Niueans are predominantly Polynesian; most are bilingual, speaking both Niuean and English.


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