Have you seen the new 5 Euro unicorn coin? Mythical creatures have an enduring appeal that captivates the imagination of both children and adults. The allure of dragons, fairies, mermaids, and unicorns lies in their ability to evoke a sense of wonder. What’s particularly enchanting is the multitude of variations and the boundless potential for a child’s imagination to conjure even more fantastical beings.
5 Euro Unicorn Coin:
Recently, the Portuguese Mint Casa Da Moeda introduced a captivating new series of coins titled “Heroes and Creatures of Mythology,” dedicated to celebrating these magical beings that are universally recognized. The inaugural coin in this series features the magnificent unicorn.
Traditionally, the unicorn is portrayed as a large, white horse with a flowing mane and tail graced with a long, pointed horn atop its head. However, over the years, various interpretations and designs have emerged, including depictions of the unicorn as a goat instead of a horse.
One of the earliest descriptions of the unicorn dates back around 400 B.C. and comes from the Greek historian Ctesias. The unicorn is almost always seen as a symbol of purity, gentleness, and great power.
A fascinating belief associated with the unicorn is its alleged power to safeguard against poisons. It was thought that drinking from a unicorn horn could provide this protection, so cups made from unicorn horns were highly coveted during the Middle Ages. Interestingly, these “unicorn horn” cups were typically crafted from rhinoceros horns or narwhal tusks.
In contemporary times, the unicorn has transitioned from a symbol of poison protection to a beloved fantasy emblem, especially adored by children. In the case of Casa da Moeda, artist Susa Monteiro presents the majestic creature concealed within the branches of a pomegranate tree. The symbolism of pomegranates, often associated with the underworld, offers a thought-provoking contrast to the unicorn’s traditional image of purity.
The coin is available in cupronickel, silver, and gold, with limited mintages of 30,000, 3,000, and 2,000, respectively. The 5-euro coins feature the unicorn and pomegranate tree on both the obverse and reverse, with the unicorn nestled among the branches on the reverse side. These enchanting coins are expected to be as elusive as the mythical unicorn itself, making their acquisition a particularly sweet victory for collectors.
In Other News…
Día de Muertos, a holiday observed in many Spanish-speaking regions, falls on November 1st. This special day is dedicated to remembering and honoring loved ones who have passed away, typically through the creation of ofrendas (altars). These ofrendas are adorned with traditional decorations, flowers, and food offerings.
Air Jordan 1 Zoom CMFT 2 “Día de Muertos”
In Jordan Brand‘s contribution to the commemorative collection, they have adopted a more solemn and reflective aesthetic, effectively transforming the concept of grief into a sneaker design. The result is an intricate Air Jordan 1 Zoom CMFT 2, styled in a “Black/Pale Ivory” colorway.
The upper, crafted from brush-off leather, is adorned with traditional imagery associated with the November 1st holiday, and floral embroidery takes center stage, creating a visually striking effect.
Adding a poignant touch, a golden skull is skillfully stitched onto the lateral heel of the shoe, serving as a nod to the theme of remembrance and the departed. The collection’s distinctive logos also make appearances on the sock liners, reinforcing the Día de Muertos theme’s focus on the importance of family.
Nike Dunk Low “Día de Muertos”
The “Día de Muertos” Dunks, available in women’s sizing, offer a captivating blend of vibrant and subdued hues. The sneakers feature a shimmering golden backdrop on the underlays, creating a visually striking foundation for textured leather and colorful embroidery that adorns various parts of the shoe.
A rich pink hue brings life to the traditional “Nike” branding found on the tongue, label, and spine. Additionally, “Clear Jade II” and “Total Orange” colors bring to life an image of a hummingbird and marigold, which are intricately stitched onto the lateral heel.
In Aztec mythology, the hummingbird was believed to convey messages from Mictlán, the underworld, to the realm of the living. To complete the design, a gum brown outsole adds the finishing touch to these special Nike Dunk Low sneakers.
Nike Air Max 1 “Día de Muertos”
Among the four offerings, the Air Max 1 “Día de Muertos” stands out as the most vibrant, boasting a bold “Hyper Pink” colorway. The upper is adorned with embroidered details that beautifully replicate the intricate designs seen in papel picado and crochet decorations found on commemorative altars dedicated to departed family members.
This unique take on Tinker Hatfield’s groundbreaking design for the Air Max 1 pays tribute to the lively and spirited nature of the Day of the Dead celebration. Love, a prominent emotion during this period of remembrance, is also celebrated on the shoe.
Two colibrí (hummingbirds) are featured on the spines of the shoe and the right shoe’s sockliner, adding a meaningful and heartfelt touch to the design.
Nike Blazer Mid ’77 “Día de Muertos”
For Día de Muertos, Nike’s first basketball sneaker, the Blazer Mid, takes a more understated and simplistic approach in its design. At first glance, the Blazer Mid may appear as a standard seasonal offering, but closer examination reveals the incorporation of holiday-specific design elements.
The “Summit White” uppers are contrasted with a “Khaki” hue applied in an airbrush effect. While this choice may seem random, it cleverly reflects the enchanting and magical essence of the holiday, a notion reinforced by the “Metallic Gold” moon embroidered on the lateral heel of the sneaker.
The whimsical touch extends to the Swooshes on the sides and “Nike”-branded underlays at the spine. To complete the design, the shoe is grounded with gum brown outsoles, underscoring the family-focused theme of Día de Muertos.
Nike’s “Día de Muertos” sneakers will be available globally starting on Saturday, October 21st, through the SNKRS app and select Nike retailers. Members of Nike in Mexico will have the opportunity to access the collection a few days earlier, on October 18th.
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