Pegasus on Gold Bullion

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November 29, 2018 – Following the success of the Silver Reverse Frosted Pegasus Bullion, Pobjoy Mint has released a new version of this popular coin this time produced in 1oz Fine 999.9 Gold Bullion. The design shows Pegasus, the mythical horse, rearing up with his wings spread. The obverse features an effigy of Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth II designed exclusively by Pobjoy Mint.

British Virgin Islands / 100 dollars / gold .9999 / 31.103 g / 32.70 mm.

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.

Pegasus depicted on an Attic lekythos, 480 – 460 BC, exhibited at Staatliche Antikensammlungen München.

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 Island 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 and we are pleased to include this new 1oz Gold Bullion version in the collection.

For more information on this coin visit the British Pobjoy Mint website.

There are many great videos available online explaining the mythological origin of Pegasus.

Pegasus was also the symbol of Corinth. CoinsWeekly has explained how this connection came about.