2014 $5 Silver Proof Colour Printed Domed Coin - Southern Sky Orion
Description
2014 $5 Silver Proof Colour Printed Domed Coin - Southern Sky Orion
The award-winning Southern Sky series has achieved popular and critical acclaim. Following the innovative Crux and Pavo coins, the series concludes with the popular Orion constellation (the hunter). This exquisite coin boasts the same silver content, domed shape and colour printing of its predecessors and will be highly sought-after by coin collectors.
HISTORY AND SIGNIFICANCE
In Greek mythology, Orion desired to impress, either through his hunting skills or his handsome charm. He was believed to be born in Boeotia, central Greece, to the sea god Poseidon and the immortal Gorgon Euryale.
He faced obstacles from those who doubted him. While courting the princess Merope, her father Oenopion robbed Orion of his sight to protect his daughter’s purity. He later regained his sight, but died at the hands of embittered opponents. Some legends say that his hunting companion Artemis was tricked by her protective brother Apollo into killing him with an arrow. Some say that the goddess Hera was so offended by his boasting that she unleashed a deadly scorpion onto him.
His ascent to the heavens ensured that he was finally held in awe by whoever saw him. As a constellation on the celestial equator, Orion is visible around the world, holding his club and shield.
FEATURES AND DESIGN
Third and final coin in the popular and award-winning series
The dome shape which has won awards for engineering and coining excellence
Colour printing of the famed constellation Orion, which is visible around the world
Limited mintage
99.9% silver
Finished to the Royal Australian Mint’s exacting proof standard
Presentation case and outer box
Certificate of authenticity
Obverse features Queen Elizabeth II effigy sculpted by Ian Rank-Broadley
Australian legal tender
Packaging: Encapsulated Coin in Case