Pobjoy Mint has announced the release of a 2019 dated Pegasus silver bullion. The coin is issued by the British Virgin Islands and shows the mythical horse Pegasus spreading its wings.
The Coin
Due to the immense popularity of the 2018 dated Pegasus Reverse Frosted Silver Bullion coin, Pobjoy Mint announces the release of the 2019 dated coin. The design shows Pegasus, the mythical horse, rearing up with his wings spread.
The obverse features the Pobjoy exclusive effigy design of HM Queen Elizabeth II with a reverse frosted effect. In order to maintain the exclusivity of this piece, no more than 50,000 of the 1oz Fine 999. Silver Reverse Frosted Bullion coins are produced.
Behind the Coin
Pegasus is one of the best-known creatures in Greek mythology. This winged horse is usually depicted as white in colour and was always considered a good-hearted and gentle animal. Throughout his life, Pegasus remained a mysterious creature that symbolised divine inspiration or the journey to heaven. As a reward for his service and loyalty, Zeus honoured him with a special immortality, turning him into a constellation on the last day of his life.
The story of Pegasus begins when Perseus is sent to kill one of the three Gorgons – Medusa who had writhing snakes instead of hair. It was said that anyone unfortunate enough to gaze on her face would turn to stone. The God Hermes and the Goddess Athena came to aid Perseus with special gifts, including a shield which Perseus used as a mirror so he did not look directly at Medusa. When Perseus beheaded Medusa it is said that Pegasus was born from the blood of the Gorgon. Many wanted to capture Pegasus but no one could work out how to tame such a magnificent creature!
Horses have often featured on British Virgin Island coins over the years making Pegasus an obvious choice to feature on their flagship coin. Many coins from the territory have featured horses in Royal events including Trooping the colour and drawing the Coronation coach. Olympic equestrian events have also featured strongly which are close to the heart of the Royal family.
For more information about the coin, visit Pobjoy Mint’s website.
In 2018, the British Virgin Islands issued a Pegasus coin in Virenium.
CoinsWeekly published an article about the myth of Pegasus and its depiction on Corinthian coins.
