A 1-ounce silver proof coin featuring the 480 BCE Battle of Thermopylae is the maiden issue of the Perth Mint's new five-coin Famous Battles Series.The series focuses on five notable engagements that have changed the course of history. The coins portray battlefield scenes spanning more than two millennia.
The Battle of Thermopylae was fought in a narrow pass in northern Greece between the invading Persian Empire under King Xerxes and a vastly outnumbered alliance of Greek city-states commanded by King Leonidas of Sparta.
With 300 bodyguards, the Spartan King led the defense of the pass for three days, inflicting enormous losses on the elite corps of the Persian army. The task became impossible, however, when a Greek traitor revealed a mountain track above the pass to one of Xerxes' commanders. Subsequently encircled by the Persian army, the Spartans and their allies fought valiantly to the death.
The courageous last stand by Leonidas inspired the united Greeks to ultimate victory in ensuing battles, thereby securing the rise of classical Greece.
The coin's reverse portrays a colorized image of Spartan warriors in classic phalanx formation. Struck elements of the design depict a Spartan warrior wearing a protective Corinthian helmet and metal breastplate, and a sword.
Issued as legal tender under the authority of the Government of Tuvalu, the obverse bears the Raphael Maklouf effigy of Queen Elizabeth II.
The coin is struck from in 99.9 percent pure silver in proof quality. It measures 40.60 mm in diameter and is 4.00 mm thick. It weighs 31.135 grams.
The Perth Mint will release no more than 5,000 of these coins.
The remaining four coins of the series are scheduled for release in 2009. They feature the Battles of Cannae, 216 BCE; Battles of Hastings, 1066; Battles of Balaclava, 1854; and Battles of Gettysburg, 1863.
Source: numismaster.com
