OPALPLUS HAS BEEN PURCHASER OF PERTH MINT COINS SINCE EARLY 1980s

IN AUGUST 2007 WE WERE APPROVED AS AUTHORIZED DEALER FOR PERTH MINT AUSTRALIA .

BATTLE OF THERMOPYLAE 480 BC    AT OFFICIAL LIST PRICE

First Release - Battle of Thermopylae 480 BC

The Battle of Thermopylae was fought in a narrow pass in northern Greece between the invading Persian Empire under King Xerxes and a vastly outnumbered alliance of Greek city-states commanded by King Leonidas of Sparta.  With 300 bodyguards, the Spartan King led the defence of the pass for three days, inflicting enormous losses on the elite corps of the Persian army.  The task became impossible, however, when a Greek traitor revealed a mountain track above the pass to one of Xerxes’ commanders.  Subsequently encircled by the Persian army, the Spartans and their allies fought valiantly to the death.  The courageous last stand by Leonidas inspired the united Greeks to ultimate victory in ensuing battles, thereby securing the rise of classical Greece, with its innovative ideas on politics, philosophy and the arts.

Proof Quality 99.9% Pure Silver

The coin is struck from 1oz of 99.9% pure silver in proof quality.

Coloured Reverse Design

The coin’s reverse, which includes The Perth Mint’s ‘P’ mintmark, portrays a coloured image of Spartan warriors in classic phalanx formation.  Struck elements of the design depict a Spartan warrior wearing a protective Corinthian helmet and metal cuirass, or breastplate, and a sword. 

Issued As Legal Tender

Issued as legal tender under the authority of the Government of Tuvalu, the coin bears the Raphael Maklouf effigy of Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth II on its obverse.

Extremely Limited Mintage

The Perth Mint will release no more than 5,000 of these coins.

Certificate of Authenticity

Each coin is accompanied by a numbered Certificate of Authenticity.

Presentation Packaging

Each coin is housed in a presentation display case and superbly illustrated shipper.

Future Releases

Four more coins in this series are scheduled for release in 2009:

• Battles of Cannae – 216 BC
• Battles of Hastings – 1066
• Battles of Balaclava – 1854
• Battles of Gettysburg – 1863

Technical Specifications