Silver Coin 2 Oz Tears of the Moon 2021 Antique Standard

Tears of the Moon - silver coin with silver snowflake

A unique silver coin issued by the State of Tuvalu in 2021 in 99.99% silver purity, weighing 2 ounces with an Antique finish, this coin is inspired by the mythology and religion of the Incas and depicts the goddess of the moon, who according to legend shed silver tears. A Plexiglas dome containing fine flakes of silver in mineral oil is embedded in the center of the coin. When the coin is shaken, the tiny pieces of silver create an amazing snow show.

The wide rim of the reverse depicts Mama Quilla in the spirit of the surviving artifacts of the extinct Inca civilization. The coin's motif is based on the legend of the lunar eclipse, in which the goddess is attacked by a serpent and a leopard. The originality of the design is underlined by the hand application of patina, which gives the surface a matching appearance. Minor abrasions may therefore vary from coin to coin. The mint mark "P" and the initials of the artist "NM" are shown.
The Inca empire was spread over a large swath of the South American Andes mountains. It disappeared after the arrival of the Spanish in the early 16th century. Mother Moon, Mama Quilla, was the third most revered goddess in the Inca religion. She was depicted as a human female with a silver disc. There are many legends and myths associated with the goddess. Her shed tears of silver became deposits of the precious metal on Earth. The lunar eclipse occurred when the goddess was attacked by an animal. Most often it was a cougar or a snake. To keep the world in permanent darkness, the faithful tried to intimidate the aggressors by making noise and throwing stones. Moon worship was associated with a series of rituals that were intertwined with the lunar calendar. Mama Quilla was also the goddess of marriage and protector of women.

The circle on the obverse of the coin bears a small portrait of Queen Elizabeth II at the top, followed by Andean crosses (Chakana) in the inner circle. In the outer circle are the inscriptions 'QUEEN ELIZABETH II', 'TUVALU', the denomination and details of weight, fineness and year of issue. The centre of the coin is formed by the bottom of a clear perspex dome.

The coin comes in a stylish presentation box in the shape of Mama Quilla's head with a certificate of authenticity in a limited edition of 2500 pieces for the whole world.

This product is part of the following product sets: