Scottsdale Mint's Viking Silver Coin Series - Gods, Kings and Warriors

Expansion, plunder, glory, and death. All words used to describe the age in which the Vikings reigned over Scandinavia and parts of Europe from the late 8th century to 11th century A.D. But who were the Vikings? What God or Gods did they worship? What kings did they swear oaths of fealty to? What legendary warriors led them into battle? To most of the world, the Vikings' Gods, Kings, and great warriors are not known . . . until now.

Scottsdale Mint answers these questions through its brand new 15 coin series entitled "Vikings: Gods, Kings, and Warriors." Over the next few years Scottsdale will release the following 15 coins in no particular order: Odin, Ragnar, King Cnut, Thor, Loki, Tyr, Freya, Ivar the Boneless, Eric BloodAxe, Harald Hardrada, Bjorn Ironside, Egil Skallagrimsson, Freydís Eiríksdóttir, Harald Fairhair, and Gudfred. Each coin is 2 troy ounces of .999 fine silver. antiqued and hand brushed on impressive high relief rimless design with legal tender status given by the authority of the island of Niue. Each coin will be of a limited mintage of 1999 and will have a laser-etched serial number on the rim along with matching the serial number found on the included Certificate of Authenticity.

Collectors will recognize Scottsdale's effort in creating a Viking coin series that is not only exquisitely crafted in stunning detail, but one that is historically accurate and pays homage to the Norse culture. While each coin will release one at a time, the initial launch will make 3 coins available at once.

The God:

Odin the "Allfather" was the premier Norse deity, at once a magnetic and polarizing figure whose influence permeated all aspects of society. A lover of knowledge, he was said to have sacrificed his eye in exchange for great wisdom. He was the ruler of Valhalla, the highest level of the underworld and frequently received human sacrifices. In battle, he was a manipulative commander who derived an almost spiritual ecstasy from orchestrating violent, chaotic bloodbaths. He was also a lover of poetry and heavily involved in shamanism, magic, and necromancy.

The coin design depicts Odin on his throne, Hlidskjalf, shrouded in mist and flanked by his shamanic helpers, two ravens and two wolves. The background features a wooden slat wall as his throne sits in the hall Valaskialf.

The King:

King Cnut is remembered for stabilizing England, Denmark, Norway, and parts of Sweden and unifying the regions into one empire from 1016-1035 AD.

Humility was his hallmark trait, often illustrated by the tale of "King Cnut and the Waves," wherein Cnut had his throne placed on the seashore as the tide was coming in.

Sitting upon his throne, he stretched out his hand and commanded the tide to recede. The ocean responded by continuing its advance, covering the king's feet and soaking his royal garments.

Cnut turned to the small audience accompanying him and said, "Let all men know how empty and worthless is the power of kings, for there is none worthy of the name, but He whom heaven, earth, and sea obey by eternal laws."

He placed his crown upon a crucifix and never wore it again.

Scottsdale Mint based Cnut's coin design on actual Medieval drawings of him i.e. Same crown, hairstyle, scepter etc. His cloak clasp is actually a Quatrefoil coin design popular when Cnut was in power and the type he would have minted and similar to the ones stored today in the British Museum. Above him, written in Runic, says "Cnut Rex Anglorum" which in English is Cnut, King of England.

The Warrior:

Ragnar

A legendary Viking warrior and king, Ragnar of Lothbrok is likely an amalgamation of several prominent warriors. He is remembered for leading successful campaigns into France and England, galvanizing viking armies to battle, and passing on his legacy to his many warrior sons, most notably, Ivar the Boneless.

He met his end when he was captured by king Aella of Northumbria and thrown into a pit of snakes.

Ragnar is depicted on the coin in historically accurate 9th century viking attire and weaponry. He is equipped with a Goosewing fighting axe, round shield, Nordic fox cloak, 9th century fighting sword, pouch and Valknut necklace showing his devotion to Odin. Ragnar is wearing a chainmail hauberk over a tunic and then pants. Shaved head with braided goatee section of beard. Behind him is a Celtic ring with 7 rune stones with the spelling of his name.

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