Ghisi Shield – Renaissance Art, Minted in Pure Silver
Originally crafted in 1554 by Italian goldsmith and engraver Giorgio Ghisi, the Ghisi Shield is one of the most celebrated examples of Renaissance parade armor, designed not for war, but to impress. Ornate, symbolic, and astonishingly detailed, the shield features allegorical scenes of heroism, mythology, and imperial power, embodying the ideals of humanism and classical revival that defined its era.
Spectres pays tribute to this iconic artifact with a meticulously sculpted recreation of the original masterpiece. Struck in antique high relief from 2 oz of .999 fine silver, the coin is shaped with a convex/concave form to resemble the original shield’s curvature, bringing dimensionality and realism to every figure and flourish. At 70 mm in diameter, it offers a larger canvas than most 2 oz coins, maximizing the intricate detailing.
The design faithfully captures the central scene of battle, flanked by allegorical figures of victory, Roman warriors, personifications of virtues, and divine beings—each rendered in striking depth and antiqued finish. Every scroll, lion mask, and mythological creature from Ghisi’s legendary work has been brought to life in this tribute.
Issued by Niue in 2025 with a face value of 5 dollars, this legal tender collectible coin is strictly limited to 500 pieces worldwide. Each piece is housed in a custom presentation box and includes a numbered certificate of authenticity.