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The E-Sylum: Volume 19, Number 20, May 15, 2016, Article 21

HEIDI WASTWEET'S CLEOPATRA AND ODIN DESIGNS

In my March 20, 2016 Numismatic Diary I discussed my dinner in Washington, D.C. with several members of the Citizens Coinage Advisory Committee, including sculptor and medallist Heidi Wastweet. At the dinner she displayed some recent examples of her work, and here are some images (Thanks, Heidi)! -Editor

Cleopatra

Wastweet medal Cleopatra obverse Wastweet medal Cleopatra reverse

From the Provident Mint web site:

Celebrating one of history's most captivating rulers, the Cleopatra High Relief Silver Round is composed of 2 troy oz of .999 fine silver — eligible for contribution in your self-directed IRA.

Crafted by the Elemetal Mint using the highest production and metal-purity standards in the industry, the Cleopatra Silver Round sets a new standard in bullion quality. Order yours today.

The obverse of each Cleopatra Silver Round is sculpted in the incused style of ancient Egyptian hieroglyphic carvings. Rising from the surface of the round, Cleopatra comes to life through subtle movement, indicated by the space intentionally left void behind her neck. Because her face is not incused, she appears to be moving forward.

To her right is the cartouche of Cleopatra — a vertical oval featuring a horizontal line at the bottom, signifying that the inner text was a name of royal lineage.

To the left of Cleopatra sits the Eye of Horus, sculpted by the incredibly talented Heidi Wastweet, using a groundbreaking technique never before seen on a precious metal bullion round. This Ultra High Relief element features varying heights and depths, both incuse and raised above the field.

Below the Eye of Horus sits a bowl of figs, which Cleopatra's servants used to smuggle in a poisonous snake called an asp, which slithers down her shoulder and neck. It is widely believed that Cleopatra committed suicide through the lethal bite of an asp. The tragic scene was immortalized by William Shakespeare in Act V, Scene II of Antony & Cleopatra:

With thy sharp teeth this knot intrinsic
Of life at once untie: poor venomous fool
Be angry, and dispatch.

The reverse of each Cleopatra 2 oz Ultra High Relief Silver Round features the Goddess Isis — of whom Cleopatra was said to be the reincarnation — situated prominently at the center. The banner of the scarab beetle rests below. The scarab beetle was a symbol of great power in ancient Egyptian mythology, responsible for pushing the sun into the sky at dawn.

The Hieroglyphics on the field were taken from ancient Egyptian papyri, featuring writings about Cleopatra. The pattern to the left and right of the weight-and-purity hallmark can be found on the outer wall of the Temple of Horus. They represent a bed of lotus reeds blooming in the Nile.

Heidi's female forms are subtle and seductive. I like this Cleopatra - she's a far cry from the "Cleopatra was really ugly" narrative we often see in descriptions of coin picturing her. -Editor

Heidi adds:

The second in this series, Anubis, is in production now.

For more information, or to order, see: Cleopatra 2 oz Ultra High Relief Silver Round (www.providentmetals.com/cleopatra-2-oz-high-relief-silver-round.html)

Odin

Wastweet medal Odin obverse Wastweet medal Odin reverse

From the Gainesville Coins web site:

  • Wastweet medal Odin box Double-Sided Ultra High Relief (Obverse & Reverse!) Mintage Of Only 750 Coins
  • 2 oz Of .999 Pure Silver with an Antique Finish
  • 1st Release In 4-Coin Series | $5 Legal Tender
  • Produced In Switzerland At The Helvetic Mint
  • Designed By Famed Artist Heidi Wastweet
  • Includes Stunning Wooden Box And COA

In many Nordic and Germanic traditions, Odin is the steward of the underworld, Valhalla, and is often accompanied by his two ravens and a pair of wolves. He is a central figure throughout Norse mythology. Even the day of the week “Wednesday” is his namesake in several languages, from Woden in Old English and Wodan in Old German.

Powerful, wise, and venerated, Odin is now featured on the first of the limited-mintage 4-coin Norse Gods series. Each legal tender coin is struck from .999 fine silver. Subsequent issues in the series will include other prominent deities from the Norse tradition, such as Thor and Loki.

For more information, or to order, see: 2 OZ DOUBLE-SIDED ULTRA HIGH RELIEF ODIN SILVER COIN (www.gainesvillecoins.com/featured/odin-silver-coin)

Heidi adds:

Humorously, there is an unusual amount of high relief Odin coins that were released in the last year, all unrelated to each other. Must be something in the water. I have just begun work on the second in this series, which is Thor.

To read the complete article, see:
WAYNE'S NUMISMATIC DIARY: MARCH 20, 2016 (www.coinbooks.org/esylum_v19n12a26.html)

Lyn Knight E-Sylum ad 2016-06 Memphis IPMS


Wayne Homren, Editor

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