Additional Information

The Creatures of Greek Mythology by New Zealand Mint, is a fantasy-themed coin collection featuring engraved illustrations of dramatic mythical creatures.

In Greek mythology, Sirens were beautiful yet dangerous nymphs with voices that lured sailors to their doom, causing ships to crash on the reefs surrounding their island.

Sirens were said to be handmaidens of the goddess Persephone, who was abducted by Hades, the God of the underworld. After searching in vain for Persephone, the Sirens eventually gave up and settled on the island of Anthemoessa. From this beautiful place, they continued to eternally call for Persephone’s return, with their captivating, yet sad melody.

According to Homer’s Odyssey, Odysseus managed to elude disaster by blocking the ears of his ship’s crew with wax as they passed the island. Out of curiosity, he himself chose to be bound to the mast, to listen and be tortured by the Sirens song.