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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