Portugal: Second Gold And Silver Coins Released In Heroes And Mythology Series Features The Story Of Odysseus

Launched last year, the series focuses on universal symbols written about throughout the ages that continue to connect all generations. Inaugurating the series of gold and silver proof coins was the Unicorn, a testament to our society’s infinite capacity to create stories and transform misinterpretations into legends. For 2024, the coins’ focus is the story of Ulysses - or Ulisses, in Portuguese who was the king of Ithaca, son of Laertes and Anticlea, husband of Penelope and father of Telemachos. Famous for his courage, intelligence, and leadership, Ulysses is one of the great heroes of Greek mythology. According to the ancient Greek writer Homer and his epic poem entitled Odyssey, Ulysses is portrayed as a man of outstanding wisdom, eloquence, resourcefulness and courage.

The story of Ulysses, most especially his return home at the end of the Trojan War is particularly relevant to Portugal. An old legend states that the city of Lisbon was founded by Ulysses in his journey back home after the war against the city of Troy. During this long and adventurous journey he battled sea monsters and plenty of strange ocean creatures. One day a bolt of lightning appeared and exploded into flames in an unknown land. According to the legend, Ulysses was instructed by Zeus to build a city named Olissipo on the point of impact. After fighting the war against the city of Troy, Ulysses started his journey home but his sailing journey was obstructed by the sea god Poseidon. During his journey home he had many incredible adventures, facing various monsters, enchanters, and dangers. His intelligence however, helped him to survive the numerous difficulties he faced during his long journey back to Ithaca.

Designed by Gonçalo Viana, the obverse side features a depiction of a standing figure of Ulysses facing to the left and holding a bow and arrow. Around Ulysses is the head and tail of a snake with its body looped seven times, representing the seven hills of Lisbon. Along the rim are separated wavy line elements representing the sea. The text ULISSES is placed to the left rim and PORTUGAL is shown at the top. The year of issue 2024 is placed along the rim on the right. At the bottom on the left is the name of the designer GONÇALO VIANA and at the lower right is CASA DE MOEDA. The reverse side features a scene depicting Ulysses tied to the mast of a ship and is inspired from Homer’s epic poem entitled The Odyssey. It is set against the background of a star-lit sky and a composition of wavy shapes and lines below the ship referring to the seven hills of Lisbon. The illustration is surrounded by seven sirens or, half woman, half bird creatures with spread wings and claws. On the left side of Ulysses is the coat of arms crest of the Portuguese Republic. On the right, is the denomination 5 EURO.

Both the gold and silver proof quality coins are each encapsulated and presented in a custom case made of a natural cork base and a Perspex cover accompanied with a certificate of authenticity. For additional information on these and other coins available from the INCM, please visit their website sales page.