Update: We’ve now received ArtCAM renders and as suspected, they point to an epic coin release. In the past, we’ve always been impressed with how these renders have transferred into a real world coin and these new images point to something quite special.

The Twelve Labours of Hercules are a terrific idea for a coin series, combining a well known character from ancient mythology, with a fascinating and exciting series of adventures. The first issue last year featured the Nemean Lion, generally thought of to be the first of the tasks undertaken, and it looks like the mint will release them in rough chronological order – if such a thing is realistic for fantasy tales.

As is common for this kind of coin from the Mint of Poland, this is a rimless, ultra-high-relief, fine-silver coin of two ounces in weight and with an antique finish. The highlighted area, in this case three of the Hydra heads, are picked out with gilding and this will remain the signature of the series. The common obverse is surrounded by a twelve small cameo images, with the one that matches the coin reverse also enjoying a gilded finish. The coin serial number is engraved into the edge and will match the enclosed certificate of authenticity.

As we said, this is an early peek and we’ll no doubt get the full ArtCAM renders to publish quite soon. Owners of the first coin, or indeed any of these Mennica Polska mythology coins, will have no concerns about the superlative standard of work on the finished item. Just 500 of these will be struck and this is an incredibly popular genre at the moment. It will come in a wooden box and ship in the second quarter of 2019 – we’d suspect around late April/early May, but it could be a little later. This one is being exclusively distributed by two dealers, Coin Shoppe in Canada and Magikos Coins in Poland and it will no doubt be available at all the usual dealers from there. We’re looking forward to seeing this one in the flesh. Very promising, and a coin we will revisit when better images become available.