Silver Coin 3 Oz Eternal Statues II - Desiluze Ultra high relief 2023 Proof

Eternal Sculptures II. - Disillusion

A unique silver coin issued by the State of Palau for 2023 weighing 3 Oz of the purest 99.9% silver in high relief and Black Proof. Utilizing the technological capabilities of Smartminting, it showcases the Eternal Statues II artistic series through a double-sided motif. The second coin of the follow-up series is dedicated to Francesco Queirol's marble sculpture, Deziluze.

The reverse side of the coin offers part of the reproduction of the allegorical sculpture of the intellect purifying humanity from sin. It depicts a man who, with the help of an angel, frees himself from the tangled web symbolizing sin. The winged angel with a crown and a flame over his forehead is the embodiment of wisdom and knowledge, pointing to the globe below as a place of worldly goods and passions. The open book in front of her is a bible with the choice quote "I will break your bonds, the bonds of the darkness of the long night to which you are bound". The Bible is also one of the three "great lights", the basic symbols of Freemasonry. The bas-relief stele to the left of the fisherman presents the biblical story of Jesus restoring sight to the blind man and illustrates the sculpture's message to see the true light through virtuous living, the use of reason and the rejection of deception. The motif is complemented by the "ETERNAL SCULPTURES II" series logo and the coin's name "DISILLUSION". The rim of the coin is decorated with a delicate floral motif with the year of issue "MMXXIII" inset.
The disillusion is the work of the Genoese sculptor Francesco Queirolo, who worked in Rome and Naples in the Rococo style of the 18th century. The sculpture was carved from a single piece of marble and is housed in the Chapel of the Cappella Sansevero in Naples. It is a monument dedicated by Raimondo di Sangro to his father Antonio, Duke of Torremaggiore. The symbolism refers to the Duke's dissolute life in his youth and his reformation in old age filled with regret and humility.
The sculpture fascinates experts and laymen alike by looking at the individual ropes and knots of the fishing net, carved from what was originally a solid block of stone. As a result, this work has been hailed as an example of the extreme limit that can be reached when working with marble. The apparent fragility of the work is also illustrated by the rumour that the helpers responsible for polishing the stone refused to carry out the work for fear of destroying the work. The artist therefore had to polish some parts with pumice by hand.

The obverse is an example of the genius of the work, peering in great detail at the fisherman's hand under the ropes of the tangled net. On the left is the coat of arms of the Republic of Palau with the inscription "REPUBLIC OF PALAU" and the denomination "20 DOLLARS". The circle is flanked by the original floral design.

The coin comes in a deluxe box along with a numbered certificate of authenticity, in a limited edition of only 499 pieces for the entire world!

Smartminting® is a revolutionary technology in 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. 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 highest quality Proof and coloured coins, of course the Antique Standard finish remains.

This product is part of the following product sets: