The Dendera Zodiac is the 4th coin in the Archaeology and Symbolism series. Dome shaped and smartminted on a large 65 mm diameter surface, it’s exceptional detailing is further enhanced with a full wrapping of brilliant pure gold. Background: The sculptured Dendera zodiac (or Denderah zodiac) is a widely known Egyptian bas-relief from the ceiling of the pronaos (or portico) of a chapel dedicated to Osiris in the Hathor temple at Dendera, containing images of Taurus (the bull) and Libra (the scales). This chapel was begun in the late Ptolemaic period; its pronaos was added by the emperor Tiberius. This led Jean-Francois Champollion to date the relief to the Greco-Roman period, but most of his contemporaries believed it to be of the New Kingdom. The relief, which John H. Rogers characterized as “the only complete map that we have of an ancient sky”, has been conjectured to represent the basis on which later astronomy systems were based. It is now on display at the Muse du Louvre, Paris. Highlights: Struck from 3 oz .999 pure silver Interesting and intricately minted fine details Unique concept series Low mintage Smartminting high relief with full gold gilding Specifications: Year: 2020 Quality: High Relief, Gold Gilded Denomination: 20 Dollars Metal Content: 3 Troy Ounces / 93.3 Grams Purity: .999 Mintage: 99 Issuer: Cook Islands Diameter: 65 mm Mint Capsule, Presentation Box, Numbered Certificate of Authenticity