2048) Viking Burial Rites, Republic of Palau: The First Coin in the "Afterlife – Rites of Passage Coin Series": A $10 Silver Coin depicting a Viking King's burial rites and the Afterlife in Valhalla: Date/Year of Coin issue: 2021; Marketing of the Coins by Numiscollect wef: 31.03.2022:
The Header/Banner depicting the Obverse and Reverse of the $10 Silver Coin against a background image of Viking ships sailing against a fiery skyline
Vikings cremated their individuals of high stature and honour through a ship burial ceremony. They would be placed on a traditional Viking ship in a horizontal position.
The Vikings believed that those dying honourably in combat would get to drink and feast with the Gods in the halls of Valhalla.
To set them on their journey, high status individuals were given a send-off on a longship, which was set ablaze through fire-tipped arrows shot at the vessel.
Various personal belongings and other artifacts that could be used in the afterlife were placed around them. They were surrounded by objects to take with them.
This marked the start of the journey to the afterlife, from Midgard (Earth) to Asgard.
About Valhalla:
Valhalla is the Vikings Afterlife. It consists of a huge hall where the Viking warriors would be able to spend the rest of eternity feasting together. However, this privilege was only reserved for Vikings who died while fighting honourably in combat. In front of hall one finds the Glasir tree bearing red and golden leaves and said to be the most beautiful among Gods and men.
In Norse mythology, Valhalla or "Hall of the Slain" is a majestic, enormous hall located in Asgard, ruled over by the god Norse Odin.
Chosen by Odin, half of those who die in combat travel to Valhalla upon death, led by Valkyries, while the other half go to the goddess Freyja's field Fólkvangr.
For a detailed account on the Valkyries, please visit the following post:
In Valhalla, the dead warriors join the masses of those who have died in combat (known as the Einherjar) and various legendary Germanic heroes and kings, as they prepare to aid Odin during the events of Ragnarök. Before the hall stands the golden tree Glasir, and the hall's ceiling is thatched with golden shields.
Valhalla has inspired various works of art, publication titles, and elements of popular culture, and has become a term synonymous with a "Martial Hall of the Chosen Dead".
The Coin:
This ‘Vikings’ coin is the first issue in the ‘Afterlife – Rites of Passage’ series.
The Reverse of the $10 Silver Coin shows the burial rites of a fallen Viking King.
The Longboat on which the King's remains are placed has been set ablaze by a fire-arrow shot by an archer on the wooden pier. A Viking helmet is placed at right, symbolising the the King had fallen in combat, fighting valiantly.
On the Obverse of the $10 Silver Coin is depicted the Viking Afterlife "Valhalla" - "Hall of the Slain" located in Asgard, guarded by two warriors.
In front of the Hall is depicted the Glasir tree bearing red and golden leaves.
At left is seen the public seal/Emblem of the Republic of Palau. Inscribed in the lower half of the Obverse is the denomination of the Coin - "TEN DOLLARS" and the year of issue: "2021"
The Reverse and Obverse of the Coin showing the Ultra High Relief
The specifications of this Coin are:
Country of issue: Republic of Palau; Date/Year: 2021; Marketing of the Coins by Numiscollect: 31.03.2022; Denomination/Face Value: $10 (Ten Dollars); Metal Composition: .999 Fineness Silver (Ag); Weight: 2.0 Oz or 62.2 grams; Diameter/Size: 45.0 mm; Coin Quality: Antique Finish with coloured elements, Rimless; Mintage: 555 pieces; Special Technique: Smartminting® (Ultra High Relief); Presentation Box/Case: Yes; Certificate of Authenticity (COA): Yes. Minted/Marketed By: NumisCollect based in the Netherlands, which has been retailing coins since 1999, from all major mints around the world including State mints and private mints.
Santosh Khanna has commented:
ReplyDelete"Very well said! Thanks for sharing."
Thank you so much, Khanna sahab.
DeleteLalit Roy has commented:
ReplyDelete"Well written Rajeev. They make a fascinating study with their beliefs and rituals. There's a serial on Netflix called "Vikings". It's a must see."
Thank you so much, Lalit. We have seen the Vikings serial. Particularly liked the theme song and the story of Ragnar.
DeleteRsanker Sharma has commented:
ReplyDelete"Great post."
Thank you, Sharma sahab.
DeleteVinod Khurana has commented:
ReplyDelete"Hidden very interesting knowledge in the post."
Thank you, Vinodji. Norse mythology and the Vikings traditions are a part of s Tarot Card deck which I have in my collection. I have a lot of interest in the stories of the ancient Vikings.
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