Description
This ultra-low mintage 2019 $20 fine silver coin is the second of three in the Norse God series. It brings to life one of the greatest legends in Norse mythology. While the stories originated in Scandinavia and first arrived in Canada with the Vikings around the year 1000, the Norse gods and the legends surrounding them have had a significant lasting impact on Western culture and language. The coin features the war-god Odin, the long-bearded ruler of Asgard, father of Thor and husband of Frigg. Selective gold enhances the fine detail of the coin, while the mintage of just 3,500 pieces adds significantly to its collectability. GST/HST exempt.
The Design:
The reverse image by Alexandra Lefort finds Odin on his eight-legged horse Sleipnir, ready to ride into battle. One of Odin’s raven informants, Huginn (“Thought”), is perched on his shoulder while the other, Muninn (“Memory”), flies alongside him. His two wolf companions, Geri and Freki, also accompany the revered Norse god. Selective gold plating highlights Odin’s helmet, arm guard and infallible spear (Gungnir). A Norse art-inspired pattern lines the rim on the obverse and reverse, which both feature an antiqued finish. Also gold-plated are the emblems of Odin: three interlocking triangles known as the Valknut (“knot of the fallen”), and the Triple Horn of Odin. The obverse features the gold-plated effigy of Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth II by Susanna Blunt.
Norse God Odin:
Norse mythology has influenced the way we tell stories and given rise to everyday words, including some days of the week — Wednesday for Odin, Thursday for Thor and Friday for Freya. The Norse gods and giants are even part of Canada’s multicultural heritage: they’re the folk heroes of Scandinavian Canadians who made their home all over Canada, in places such as Gimli, Manitoba, a community named for the heavenly hall of the righteous after Ragnarök.
