Silver Two Ounces 2015 Goddesses of Olympus - Athena, Coin from Tuvalu - detailed information

The obverse of the coin shows the crowned mature head of Queen Elizabeth II facing right (her effigy known as the "Fourth Portrait"). 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 head, the artist's initials IRB (for Ian Rank-Broadley).

Around the effigy is the monarch's legend, the date of issue and the value: QUEEN ELIZABETH II 2oz 999 SILVER 2015 TUVALU 2 DOLLARS.

The inscription around the rim also incorporates the precious metal content: two troy ounces of 99.9% silver.

The reverse of the coin portrays Athena next to an olive tree; she is holding a large spear in her left hand, and a shield with her right hand. Accompanying her are a serpent and an owl - symbol of wisdom, and a companion and symbol of Athena. Behind, the Parthenon can be seen as part of ancient Athens (it was a temple to Athena Parthenos).

The serpent is the guardian of the Acropolis and incarnation of Erichthonius, progeny of Athena’s seducer, Hephaestus. The shield displays the gorgon Medusa’s head, which was given to Athena by Perseus.

Around below, the inscription ATHENA. The Perth Mint's P mint mark is on the right. Below right, on the snake's belly (after the second A in ATHENA), the designer's initials TV, for Thomas Vaughan.

Silver Content (Troy oz): 2.000
Finish: antique, high relief.
Packaging: in a prestigious round wooden display case, with "stunning" detail on its lid and packaged in a beautifully illustrated shipper, with a numbered Certificate of Authenticity.
Issue price: AU$ 179.00