Silver coin Old Greek myths and legends - Jason and Medeia high relief stand
Silver coin Old Greek myths and legends - Jason and Medeia high relief stand
The product can also be purchased directly in the stores of the Czech Mint
Old Greek myths and legends
The cycle of silver coins of the Czech Mint commemorates old Greek myths and legends. The heroes of the first issue are Jason and Medeia.
Jason was the heir to the throne of Iolcus, but his uncle Pelias seized power. When the boy grew to a man and claimed what belonged rightfully to him, Pelias made it a condition that he must first bring him a golden wool. Jason gathered the greatest heroes of Greece and they set sail on a harrowing journey to Colchis on a ship called Argo. The local king, Aeëtes, would not give up the golden wool, because it was a symbol of his rule, therefore, he set Jason the task of harnessing fiery bulls, ploughing the field of the god of war, sowing dragon's teeth and slaughtering the warriors who would grow from them. The task was impossible, but Jason gained an unlikely ally. The king's daughter Medeia, who was a powerful witch, fell in love with the hero and provided him with a magical balm and valuable advice with which he succeeded. Surprised Ayethes did not keep his word and did not hand over the golden treasure. Medeia, therefore, drugged the dragon guardian, and Jason took the wool from him. The pair then killed Medeia's brother, who was pursuing her, and sailed to safety. Jason married the witch and returned to his native Iolcus to take the reigns, but Pelias refused to give up the throne, and so Medeia tricked him out of his life. She thus incurred the wrath of his son, and he and Jason had to flee again. Eventually they found refuge in the court of the king of Corinth, where Medeia bore two sons. Jason, however, still desired power, so he decided to marry the Corinthian princess Glauca. Medea could not forget this betrayal and her love turned to hate. She killed the king, the princess and her two sons to make Iason grieve for their loss…
On the reverse side of the coin, which is the work of the medal maker Petra Brodská, DiS., you will find Jason, Argo, fiery bulls, a dragon, golden wool, Medeia and many other mythical details. The obverse side, which is common to the whole cycle, presents ancient ships, temples and harpies and especially the Mediterranean Sea formed by transparent enamel. All this is surrounded by Hellenistic decoration. As the coins of the Czech Mint are issued with the licence of a foreign issuer, which is the island of Niue, their obverse side bears its necessary attributes - the national emblem, the nominal value of 10 DOLLARS (NZD) and the year of issue 2024.
The coin boasts an elaborated high relief which is highlighted by a patina. A narrative brochure is an integral part of the package.