| Coin | Silver Half Ounce 2022 Vikings - Valhalla |
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The currency of Samoa is the Tālā, the name of which is a transliteration of the English words Dollar; it was introduced in 1967. On coinage sometimes the English word is inscribed, especially on commemorative and bullion coins not intended to circulate within the country.
Samoa has authorised some private mints to issue coins under its jurisdiction, which come in a variety of sizes - including in the popular silver half ounce (1/2 oz silver) format, such as this one.
This coin is part of a twelve-coin series by MDM dedicated to the Ancient Vikings, and features Valhalla.
In Norse mythology Valhalla (which is the anglicised name for Old Norse Valhǫll -"hall of the slain"), is described as a majestic hall located in Asgard and presided over by the god Odin. Half of those who die in combat enter Valhalla, while the other half are chosen by the goddess Freyja to reside in Fólkvangr. The masses of those killed in combat (known as the Einherjar) along with various legendary Germanic heroes and kings, live in Valhalla until Ragnarök when they will march out of its many doors to fight in aid of Odin against the jötnar. |
| Mint | MDM |
Mint Mark | No mint mark |
Total Mintage |
7,500
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| Obverse | |
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The obverse of the coin features the crowned mature head of Queen Elizabeth II facing right (her effigy known as the "Fourth Portrait", by Ian Rank-Broadley). The Queen wears the "Girls of Great Britain and Ireland" diamond tiara, a wedding gift from Queen Mary (Her Majesty's grandmother) in 1947 - which she also has on the Machin and the Gottwald portraits. In small letters below the neck truncation, the designer's initials IRB.
Given that Samoa has been a republic since it gained independence in 1962, it is unclear why the Queen's effigy is displayed on the coin.
Below the portrait, a small Coat of Arms of Samoa. It consists of a shield, the lower two-thirds of which have five stars representing the constellation of the Southern Cross; the upper third depicts a beach and a coconut palm. The shield is surmounted by a cross with rays radiating from its centre, and is superimposed on two concentric circles representing the world, and an olive branch wreath - as in the United Nations Badge. On a ribbon below, the motto FA'AVAE I LE ATUA SAMOA, meaning "God be the Foundation of Samoa".
Around above, the name of the country and the date of issue: SAMOA 2022. Around below, divided by the Coat of Arms, the precious metal content: 1/2 oz Ag 999 (one half of a troy ounce of 99.9% silver). |
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| Reverse | |
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The reverse of the coin depicts an artist's impression of the life which Viking warriors enjoy in Valhalla after their death.
The face value of the coin, $1 (one tala, or one dollar) is in the lower left field.
Around above along the rim, the name of the coin series: THE VIKINGS; around below, the name of the coin: VALHALLA. The rest of the rim is decorated with a geometric pattern. |
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| Reverse Inscription |
THE VIKINGS $1 VALHALLA |
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| Edge | Milled | Edge Inscription | None |
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| Notes | Finish: antique.
Packaging: in protective capsule and blister card. |
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| Included in Set |
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The Vikings Collection, mintage unknown, limited to 7,500
13 coins: 0.5 Gold The Vikings, Arts and Crafts, A Viking Village, Erik the Red, Leif Eriksson, Longship, Odin, Ship Burial, The Art of War, The Thing, Trading Post - Hedeby, Valhalla, Yggdrasill
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