At Provident Metals, we are always pleased to offer coins that are commemorative to great acts of history. While these coins might not have supreme numismatic value, we understand that they are noteworthy items that make for great additions to the collections of coin hobbyists around the world. Just as coins have a rich, vital history to the fundamental growth of humanity, it is important to commemorate our own history through the continued minting of these denominations. The Molon Labe Silver Round is a wonderful addition to our vast products line! This silver round has been produced in memory of the great Battle of Thermopylae (480 BCE).
You might not know the battle from the name alone, but it is certain that you know it through popular culture—the film 300 (2007) is a modern adaptation of this battle between the Spartan and Persian armies. During the Battle of Thermopylae, the Spartans, led by King Leonidas I, were severely outnumbered by their Persian counterparts, led by Xerxes I. Prior to the battle, it is said that Xerxes I called for Leonidas I, the Spartan Army, and the fellow Greek fighters to lay down their arms and cede to the Persian emperor. Leonidas refused, resolutely standing before his men and responding to Xerxes, “Molon labe!” “Come and take!”
The first two days of the battle proved to be difficult, with both sides nearly stalling the other, even though the Spartans appeared to be soon overrun. It was on the third day that King Leonidas I’s final battle would take place, as he would be slain by Xerxes I’s army and the Spartan warriors would be overtaken. However, the Spartans’ defeat was not in vain, as they were able to cause severe casualties to the Persian Army, along with delaying their progress toward Athens, allowing many citizens to flee for protection. While the Spartans were defeated during this battle, King Leonidas I’s cry of “molon labe” has lived on, repeated by countless leaders across the world ever since, inspiring the fight for revolution against tyrants, the right to bear arms, and the virtue of man’s free will.
Our 1-oz .999 silver molon labe round is a testament to man’s fight against tyranny and the history of Sparta’s battle against the invading Persian Army. The obverse of the coin features the Spartan helmet with two swords and five arrows crossing in its background. A banner runs above the helmet, with “Molon Labe” engraved into its front. A banner beneath the helmet features the same, this time written in the Greek script.
The reverse of the Molon Labe Silver Round features the English translation of “molon labe,” “come and take it,” inscribed above two overlapping guns, a star, and a cannon. These are a nod to the Texas Revolution, insignias that were featured on the Gonzalez flag, which was flown by Texans when initiating the revolution for their sovereignty.
This fine silver coin is a testament to the will of man, for his courage to fight against aggressors and stand his ground. Not only is this a collectible item, but it is a message for all of those who possess it: I will not allow myself to be treated unfairly, to have overreaching powers attempt to silence my voice and dispossess me. Some might even consider it to have a similar statement to the Gadsden (“Don’t Tread on Me”) flag.
For those intrigued by this coin for its symbolism, it should also be said that it is a piece that can be properly used for collection and investment purposes. This 1 oz .999 fine silver round is IRA eligible, making it a sound addition to your precious metals investment portfolio. If you or someone else you know is interested in adding a symbolic, patriotic coin to their ever-growing precious metals collection, look no further than the Mono Labe Silver Round.
We’re proud to be an exclusive Intaglio Mint retailer. Learn more about this and other Intaglio Mint silver rounds (psst, we just added some new designs) here!
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