Guan Yu is the first issue in a new series called ‘Five Tiger Generals’, a theme from China’s distant past that is still widely heralded today. This numismatic masterpiece packs a serious punch with an incredible design, high relief detailing and a lustrous Black Proof finish.
Highlights:
Super low mintage
Special Black Proof finish
Highly detailed strike
Select gilding on the obverse
First issue in the anticipated 5 Tiger Generals Series
Backstory:
The Five Tiger Generals is a popular appellation in Chinese culture for the top five military commanders serving under one lord. Although the term does not appear in Chinese historical records and is not used officially, it has been heavily used in literature texts, folklore, as well as popular culture.
As a romanticized novel based on the history of the Three Kingdoms period, the historical novel Romance of the Three Kingdoms refers Guan Yu, Zhang Fei, Huang Zhong, Ma Chao and Zhao Yun as the “Five Tiger Generals” of Shu Han, one of the Three Kingdoms, led by warlord Liu Bei. In the literature, Liu Bei initially appointed Guan Yu as General Who Destroys Rebels and Lord of Hanshou, Zhang Fei as General Who Subdues Rebels and Lord of Xin, Huang Zhong as General Who Conquers the West, Ma Chao as General Who Pacifies the West, and Zhao Yun General Who Guards the West, and promoted them to “Five Tiger Generals” later.
Guan Yu is divinized after his death, representing bravery, power, loyalty, righteousness, as well as brotherhood.
Specifications:
Five Tiger Generals Series
Year: 2020
Quality: Black Proof
Denomination: 5 Dollars
Metal Content: 3 Troy Ounces (93.3 Grams)
Purity: .999
Mintage: 500
Issuer: Niue Islands
Diameter: 55 mm
Wooden presentation Box, Printed Sleeve, Certificate of Authenticity