October 4, 2018 – Following the success of the previous releases of Pegasus coins, Pobjoy Mint has released a new version of this popular coin this time produced in Virenium, a special alloy developed and produced exclusively by Pobjoy Mint. The coin is issued by the British Virgin Islands.
The new Pegasus coin is made in Virenium, an alloy developed and produced exclusively by Pobjoy Mint.
The design shows Pegasus, the mythical horse, rearing up with his wings spread. This coin, which is a pale gold colour, is made for collectors being the same size as a £2 coin. The obverse features an effigy of Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth II designed exclusively by Pobjoy Mint.
Pegasus was a very popular motif in ancient art as here on an Attic red-figured lekythos of the Bowdoin Painter, 480-460 B.C.
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!
Over the years many British Virgin Islands coins have featured horses especially when celebrating Royal occasions and Olympic equestrian events. This made Pegasus the perfect choice for the new flagship coin for the British Virgin Islands.
If you want more information on this coin go to the Pobjoy website.
On behalf of Tokelau Pobjoy produced a Pegasus gold coin on which we reported.
We reported on the myth of Pegasus many years ago. Find here an article about the Colts of Corinth.