Silver Coin 2 Oz Eternal Statues - Cupid and Psyche Ultra high relief 2016 Proof

Eternal Sculptures - Cupid and Psyche

A unique silver coin issued by the State of Palau for 2016 weighing 2 Oz of the purest 99.9% silver in high relief and Black Proof. Utilizing the new technological possibilities of Smartminting, the Eternal Sculptures artistic series is presented through a double-sided motif. The first coin in the series is dedicated to Antonio Canova's marble sculpture Amor and Psyche.

The reverse side of the coin features a reproduction of a neoclassical sculpture depicting a brief moment from the love scene of Cupid and Psyche. Cupid has just revived his beloved Psyche from her eternal sleep with a kiss. The scene is based on a fairy tale story that is part of the Latin novel The Metamorphoses (Metamorphoses or "The Golden Ass") by Lucius Apuleius.
The special colouring used for the main motif creates an amazing marble effect. The new Smartminting technology made it possible to create a high relief elaborated in remarkable fine detail on both sides of the coin. The motif is complemented by the logo of the "ETERNAL SCULPTURES" series and the name of the coin "CUPID AND PSYCHE". The rim of the coin is decorated with a subtle floral motif with the year of issue "MMXVI" inset.
The Cupid and Psyche sculpture was created by Italian sculptor Antonio Canova as a commission for Welsh art collector John Campbell in 1787. The sculpture, which depicts with tenderness and tenderness the love between mythological lovers, is one of the greatest neoclassical works and characterises the emerging Romantic movement.
Interestingly, the same Amor and Psyche sculpture exists in three versions. The first and main version was acquired by Joachim Murat in 1800. After his death, this version entered the collections of the Louvre in Paris, where it is one of the most famous and sought-after works. The second version is on display at the Hermitage Museum in St Petersburg and the finished model for the second version is in the Metropolitan Museum of Art in New York.

The obverse depicts the back of the same sculpture. The colouring technology repeats the marble effect for the main motif. The design includes the state emblem of the Republic of Palau with the inscription "REPUBLIC OF PALAU", the year of issue and the denomination "$10". The circle is decorated with an original floral design.

The coin comes in a deluxe box along with a numbered certificate of authenticity in a limited edition of only 999 pieces for the entire world!

Smartminting® is a revolutionary technology in the field of modern numismatics. The greatest advantage is the dramatic and unsurpassed heights of relief combined with intricate detail. High and ultra-high relief is possible on both sides of the coin, and the top of the relief can be placed as close to the edge as possible. However, the conventional embossing process not only requires more material (higher weight), but more importantly, the highest point must be concentrated in the center of the coin, which does not reach the same height as with Smartminting® technology. Another bonus of Smartminting® technology is the possibility of minting even in the highest Proof quality for coloured coins and, of course, the Antique Standard finish remains.

This product is part of the following product sets: