835) Death's Head Hawkmoth (Acherontia atropos): Silver & Gold 1,500 Shilling coins issued by Tanzania through Coin Invest Trust (CIT) with the coins minted at B.H. Mayer's Kunstprageanstalt at their facility in Munich (2018):
About the Death's Head Hawkmoth (Acheronita atropos):
Few insects/animals portray the fleeting nature and fragility of life like the "Death's Head Hawkmoth". This graceful flyer with its iconic Death's Head pattern on its back has been depicted on two gold & Silver coins of 1500 Shillings each from Tanzania.
The pattern that the Death's Head moth wears on its thorax makes it very special. During the Baroque era, the "Death Bird" was considered a symbol of the transience of human life. Interestingly, an inscription carried on the Reverse of the Silver coin "SIC TRANSIT GLORIA MUNDI" (meaning "thus passes the glory of the world") is a reminder of the fleeting nature of all life on earth. This phrase was originally used as part of a liturgy of the papal coronation ceremonies, but has developed into its own idiom over a period of time.
Its name "Acherontia" derives from "Acheron" (or the "River of Pain") in the Underworld in Greek Mythology, which is found in Asia and is named after the boundary River Hades.
There are three species in the genus "Acherontia" -
A. Styx - (found in Asia and named after the boundary river of Hades)
A. Lachesis - (found in India and other parts of Asia) and is named for one of the "fates" who measures the thread of life.
A. Atropos - best known of all three species found from the British Isles to South Africa (which takes its name from the "Fate" that cuts the thread of life).
All three species are fairly similar in size, coloration and life cycle.
Its name "Acherontia" derives from "Acheron" (or the "River of Pain") in the Underworld in Greek Mythology, which is found in Asia and is named after the boundary River Hades.
There are three species in the genus "Acherontia" -
A. Styx - (found in Asia and named after the boundary river of Hades)
A. Lachesis - (found in India and other parts of Asia) and is named for one of the "fates" who measures the thread of life.
A. Atropos - best known of all three species found from the British Isles to South Africa (which takes its name from the "Fate" that cuts the thread of life).
All three species are fairly similar in size, coloration and life cycle.
The Death's Head Hawkmoth has gained more wide-spread recognition in contemporary pop culture through its use on the movie posters and book cover of the successful story - "The Silence of the Lambs". The larvae/pupae of a Death's Head Hawkmoth which the killer places in his victim's throats, becomes a clue which helps the psychologist (and cannibal) Hannibal Lector in diagnosing the desire of a wanted mass murderer to transform into a woman. This clue leads to the unmasking of the culprit.
In Bram Stokes "Dracula", the titular vampire sends the moths to his thrall - Reinfeld. Thomas Hardy wrote about this moth in "The Return of the Native" and John Keats mentioned it in his poen "Ode to Melancholy.
In Bram Stokes "Dracula", the titular vampire sends the moths to his thrall - Reinfeld. Thomas Hardy wrote about this moth in "The Return of the Native" and John Keats mentioned it in his poen "Ode to Melancholy.
The fragility of the moth symbolises life while its pattern shows death.
This moth is the fastest moth in the world and can attain speeds of up to 30 miles per hour. It can also hover like humming-birds while drinking nectar from flowers.
Ever since, the Death's Head Hawkmoth has represented the everyday horror which sometimes leads to people overlooking what a fascinating insect this really is.
The Death's Head Hawkmoth covers incredible distances between Europe and Africa.
It can produce loud chirping noises using its epi-pharynx and feeds on honey raids. This is possible, because the Death's Head Hawkmoth is practically immune to the venom of bees.
This moth is also capable of secreting an odour that contains the same compounds present in honey-bee scents, which helps it to mask its presence from the bees.
This is all the more incredible, given the fact that the moth does not have any offensive weapons and is unprotected by any hard covering or can resist or survive attacks from so many "armed" assailants.
All three species can emit a loud chirp if irritated. The sound produced by inhaling and expelling air, which vibrates the epi-pharynx like an accordion is often accompanied by flashing of the brightly coloured abdomen in a further attempt to deter predators.
The presence of a Death's Head Hawk Moth was considered a bad omen. If the moth flew into someone's apartment in the evenings, it would flit over lighted candles - extinguishing them - thus, it was believed that the Hawk Moth was foretelling of war, pestilence, hunger or even death to both man and beast.
In Dutch, the Death's Head Hawk Moth is called "Doodshoofdvlinder", in French "le sphinx a tete de mort", in German "Totenkopfschwarmer" and in Spanish "cabeza de muerto".
The Coins:
Coin Invest Trust (CIT) has minted this insect's first numismatic commemorative coin. The novel shape of the Silver coin bridges the gap between traditional rounds and modern shaped coins and the geometric design contrasts with the organic beauty of the moth.
Further, Coin Invest Trust (CIT) and B.H. Mayer have for the first time employed a polishing technique called lapping to create a flat, reflective surface on the wings with a brushed look that starkly contrasts with the black proof field.
On the other hand, the eerily beautiful gold coin too has an intricate design.
Both patterns - the silver & the gold ones - break free from all design constraints to present a unique collector's coin set:
The Reverse of the 1500 Shillings Death's Head Hawkmoth Silver Coin placed on its edge, as if it is attracted to/flying towards the moon
The Obverse of the above Silver Coin is represented here in the same position, displaying the Coat of Arms of Tanzania
The Reverse of the 1500 Shillings Silver Coin is a variety of "Shaped Coin" that is extremely difficult to produce and requires specific blanks. With the Hawkmoth itself issued in Proof Quality, the Globe is kept in Black Proof.
The design is that of a detailed Death's Head Hawkmoth hovering over a globe in black Proof, which is covered by a complex meshwork of lines.
The design is that of a detailed Death's Head Hawkmoth hovering over a globe in black Proof, which is covered by a complex meshwork of lines.
On the lower periphery is the inscription "SIC TRANSIT GLORIA MUNDI" (meaning "thus passes the glory of the world").
The Obverse of the 1500 Shillings Silver Coin shows the Coat of Arms of Tanzania in a circle. On the top of the inner circle is the name of the issuing country "TANZANIA" and on the lower section of the circle is the denomination of the coin "1500 SHILLINGS". The year of issue "2018" is on the extreme bottom, placed in a rectangle.
The circle is embedded in a meshwork of lines that make up a complex star.
The Reverse of the Death's Head Hawkmoth 1500 Shillings Silver coin is placed on its side giving a view of the edge of the high-relief coin in a moonbeam lit night
The specifications of the silver coin are:
The specifications of the silver coin are:
Year of issue: 2018; Denomination/Face value: 1500 Shillings; Metal Composition: .999 Fine Silver; Weight: 2 Oz. approx; Diameter/Size: 50.0 mm; Coin Quality: Proof; Mintage: 999 pieces; Country of issue: Tanzania; Minted by: Coin Invest Trust (CIT) through B.H. Mayer's Kunstprageanstalt GmbH at their facility in Munich.
The custom-made box in which the coin is housed displays a design of the Death's Head Hawkmoth on its lid
A completely different design was developed for the small Gold Coin, which is rather elegant due to its play with different circles.
On the Reverse of the 1,500 Shillings Gold Coin is depicted a Death's Head Hawkmoth in a night sky, showing several stars and the moon, with the moth placed above a mountain range. Just above the mountains is mentioned the year of issue "2018".
The Obverse of the 1,500 Shillings Gold Coin depicts the Coat of Arms of Tanzania in the centre.
On the upper periphery is the name of the issuing country "TANZANIA", while on the lower periphery is the denomination of the coin "1500 SHILLINGS".
The specifications of the Gold Coin are:
The specifications of the Gold Coin are:
Year of issue: 2018; Denomination/Face value: 1500 Shillings; Metal Composition: .9999 Fineness Gold; Weight: 0.5 grams; Coin Quality: Proof; Diameter/Size: 13.92 mm; Mintage: 5,000 pieces; Country of issue: Tanzania; Minted by: Coin Invest Trust (CIT) through B.H. Mayer's Kunstprageanstalt GmbH at their facility in Munich.
Image of a Death's Head Hawk Moth with its wings spread displaying the Death's Head
Image of a Death's Head Hawk Moth with its wings folded
The Coat of Arms of Tanzania:
The Coat of Arms of Tanzania was adopted on 06.12.1961
Armiger: United Republic of Tanzania
Blazon: On a native shield, per fess of four : Or (Gold) the top part of a torch enflamed proper, Flag of Tanzania; Per bend sinister Vert and Azure, a bend sinister Sable fimbriated Or; Gules (Red) an Axe and Hatchet in saltire Or; Barry wavy Argent (Silver) and azure (blue); over all a Spear over an Axe and Hatchet in saltire, all Or.
(The golden portion represents minerals in the United Republic; the red portion underneath the flag symbolises the rich fertile soil of Africa; and the wavy bands represent the land, sea, lakes and coastal lines of the United Republic.
In the golden part of the flag, there appears a burning torch signifying freedom (Uhuru, enlightenment and knowledge; a spear signifying defence of freedom and crossed axe and hoe are the tools that the people of Tanzania use in developing the country).
Supporters: A representation of Mount Kilminjaro. Elephants tusks are supported by a man and a woman, with a clove bush at the feet of the man and a cotton bush at the feet of the woman, indicating the theme of cooperation.
Motto: "Uhuru na Umoja" (meaning "Freedom & Unity")
(The motto is written in Swahili)
Links to some other interesting posts from Coin Invest Trust (CIT) on this blog:
2) 150th Anniversary of "The Great Tea Race - 1866": Commemorative Coins in the denomination of 10 and 2 Dollars issued by Cook Islands in 2016
3) The Mystical Ancient Egyptian Labyrinth depicted on $10 Silver coins issued by Cook islands in 2016, under its "Milestones of Mankind Series".
4) King Arthur: The first coin in the six coins "Camelot Series".
5) Quilling Art: Silver 2 Dollars coins issued - Flowers (2016) & Bird (2017)
10) The "Maneki Neko Cat" ot the "Fortune Cat" : A $1 Gold Coin issued by the Republic of Palau: Minted by B.H. Mayer's Kunstprageanstalt, Munich for Coin Invest Trust in 2018
11) Death's Head Hawkmoth (Acherontia atropos): Silver & Gold 1500 Shilling coins issued by Tanzania through Coin Invest Trust (CIT) 2018
Some other interesting Posts from the African Continent on this blog:
The Coat of Arms of Tanzania:
Armiger: United Republic of Tanzania
Blazon: On a native shield, per fess of four : Or (Gold) the top part of a torch enflamed proper, Flag of Tanzania; Per bend sinister Vert and Azure, a bend sinister Sable fimbriated Or; Gules (Red) an Axe and Hatchet in saltire Or; Barry wavy Argent (Silver) and azure (blue); over all a Spear over an Axe and Hatchet in saltire, all Or.
(The golden portion represents minerals in the United Republic; the red portion underneath the flag symbolises the rich fertile soil of Africa; and the wavy bands represent the land, sea, lakes and coastal lines of the United Republic.
In the golden part of the flag, there appears a burning torch signifying freedom (Uhuru, enlightenment and knowledge; a spear signifying defence of freedom and crossed axe and hoe are the tools that the people of Tanzania use in developing the country).
Supporters: A representation of Mount Kilminjaro. Elephants tusks are supported by a man and a woman, with a clove bush at the feet of the man and a cotton bush at the feet of the woman, indicating the theme of cooperation.
Motto: "Uhuru na Umoja" (meaning "Freedom & Unity")
(The motto is written in Swahili)
Links to some other interesting posts from Coin Invest Trust (CIT) on this blog:
2) 150th Anniversary of "The Great Tea Race - 1866": Commemorative Coins in the denomination of 10 and 2 Dollars issued by Cook Islands in 2016
3) The Mystical Ancient Egyptian Labyrinth depicted on $10 Silver coins issued by Cook islands in 2016, under its "Milestones of Mankind Series".
4) King Arthur: The first coin in the six coins "Camelot Series".
5) Quilling Art: Silver 2 Dollars coins issued - Flowers (2016) & Bird (2017)
10) The "Maneki Neko Cat" ot the "Fortune Cat" : A $1 Gold Coin issued by the Republic of Palau: Minted by B.H. Mayer's Kunstprageanstalt, Munich for Coin Invest Trust in 2018
11) Death's Head Hawkmoth (Acherontia atropos): Silver & Gold 1500 Shilling coins issued by Tanzania through Coin Invest Trust (CIT) 2018
Some other interesting Posts from the African Continent on this blog:
4) Currency of Tunisia, North Africa: Dinars & Milims (or Millimes)
8) 2014 Emission of Banknotes for French Polynesia (Tahiti), New Caledonia, Wallis-et futuna and the erstwhile New Hebrides (present day Vanuatu)
9) Currency and Coinage of Rwanda, East Africa: Francs and Centimes
10) Currency and Coinage of Kenya: Shillings and Cents
11) Coinage and Currency of Mozambique: Metacal (Meticais) and Centavos)
9) Currency and Coinage of Rwanda, East Africa: Francs and Centimes
10) Currency and Coinage of Kenya: Shillings and Cents
11) Coinage and Currency of Mozambique: Metacal (Meticais) and Centavos)
Vikram Bhatnagar has commented:
ReplyDelete"Interesting narrative! The butterfly is nevertheless beautiful, death's head be damned!"
Thanks, Vikram. I had this post lying on my desktop for quite some time and almost shelved it because I was busy working on the trees stamps.
DeleteVikram Bhatnagar has further commented:
Delete"Curiosity drove me to read the full post on your blog. The Moth is indeed a marvel! Aerodynamically perfect to traverse long distances, can re-fuel at beehives fearlessly, being immune to bee stings and, built to compact toughness! God has indeed left us a masterpiece.
Wonder if the Germans knew about this Moth, as it does resemble one of their fighter planes, built during World War II!"
Now I am really interested Vikram. Researching this marvel of nature further. Was having trouble with Windows 10 on my laptop. Had to put up whatever I could find about this moth. Once I get back normal functions on my laptop, maybe I will find interesting stories to add.
DeleteJust collected more info. There are 3 species named after the River Styx, and the two fate sisters Lachesis and Atropos, all related to death. The moth was considered to be s bad omen foretelling of war, pestillence, death etc. But it is harmless little fellow. One of the varieties is found in India. Trying to find out where. Sumita was earlier looking at some forwards on whattsapp and would not read my post. Now she has been looking all over the internet totally fascinated by this little fellow.
DeleteSadly no mention of the Luftwaffe aircraft resemblance.
Vikram Bhatnagar has further commented:
Delete"Check out the Horten Ho 229; allow for some discounts as the Horten was a fighter bomber."
Wow !! Eerily like the Deaths Head Hawkmoth. Will check up some more. Even the cockpit looks like the Death's Head on the back of the moth.
DeleteSantosh Khanna has commented:
ReplyDelete"Nice post."
Thank you so much, Khanna sahab
Delete