2020 Cook Islands 3 Ounce Zhong Kui Asian Mythology Gilded Ultra High Relief Silver Coin

This is the first issue in the new Asian Mythology Series from Cook Islands.  It is struck in smartminting high relief further complemented by rich coloring, antique finish and for this special limited edition variant, select gilding on the reverse. Zhong Kui is a deity in Chinese mythology.  Traditionally regarded as a vanquisher of ghosts and evil beings, and reputedly able to command 80,000 demons, his image is often painted on household gates as a guardian spirit, as well as in places of business where high-value goods are involved. This amazing coin is struck from 3 ounces .999 pure silver with just 99 pieces in total production. Background: Zhong Kui’s popularity in folklore can be traced to the reign of Emperor Xuanzong of Tang China (712 to 756). According to Song Dynasty sources, once the Emperor Xuanzong was gravely ill. He had a dream in which he saw two ghosts. The smaller of the ghosts stole a purse from imperial consort Yang Guifei and a flute belonging to the emperor. The larger ghost, wearing the hat of an official, captured the smaller ghost, tore out his eye and ate it. He then introduced himself as Zhong Kui. He said that he had sworn to rid the empire of evil. When the emperor awoke, he had recovered from his illness. So he commissioned the court painter Wu Daozi to produce an image of Zhong Kui to show to the officials. This was highly influential to later representations of Zhong Kui.