Regular readers and commemorative coin collectors are fully aware that along with meteorites, the ancient world, from its buildings to its gods, are hugely popular at the moment. Many mints have launched some really fine designs, including the Choice Mint, Scottsdale, Perth Mint, and the Mint of Poland. It is to the last company that we turn for this latest, superb launch, Ancient Myths: The Trojan Horse.

The most popular format for this type of coin is remarkably consistent. High-relief, where the difference between the high and low points of a coin strike are greater than normal, is common and desired – an antique-finish equally so. Rimless designs are a fine touch, and a large number of the coins in this genre carry an adornment or insert of some kind. With all these high-end techniques being commonplace with ancient humanity themed coins, the mint has to distinguish its new releases with that most important of factors, the coins artwork, and it is here that this new Trojan coin lifts itself above the norm.

The reverse face of this new coin carries a depiction of the hugely famous Trojan Horse, located just inside the walls of Troy, and with the soldiers hidden within diembarking so that they could open the gates and allow the Greek army to rush in and sack the city. In the middle of the face is a small disc of highly polished wood carrying an ancient-inspired pattern in black, meant to represent the horses construction. In our early featured image above, and in the two ArtCAM renders below, there is a frame surrounding the wood (in this case our logo, but you get the picture), but that has now been removed for an even cleaner look, an example of the ongoing ‘tweaking’ process than gradually refines such designs until it’s considered ready for fabrication. The obverse, often overlooked in comparison, is also hugely detailed, featuring three Greek triremes powering through the water under full sail, warriors stationed on the bow, stormy sea below. Both faces are quite excellent in our view, especially the obverse, with unobtrusive inscriptions. The Queens effigy, necessary unfortunately, is isolated from the design and about as small as is allowed by the relevant authorities, so all-in-all, a top class effort. The edge of the coin will carry a serial number that will also be printed on the enclosed Certificate of Authenticity.

The coin will be appearing at dealers from 29 April when the price will be revealed. Limited to just 500 pieces, well presented in a wooden box, and with a subject that has captured mans imagination for three thousand years, this one looks a real gem and will be going in my collection without doubt, Along with Legends of Asgard, Norse Gods, Imperial Art, and Egyptian Symbols, amongst others, Ancient Myths: Trojan Horse debuts in the top echelons of the genre, and bodes well for future coins in the series.