Olympics gold coins

The Royal Mint has struck a series of gold coins to celebrate the Olympics coming to London. Inspiration comes from the Olympic motto "Citius, Altius, Fortius" Latin for "Faster, Higher, Stronger" and each coin features a sport and a Roman God.

Neptune was Roman god of the sea. This coin represents the strong connection between Neptune and the Olympic sport of sailing, a sport in which the Olympians must command and control whatever the water throws at them, just as Neptune did.

The goddess of the hunt, Diana followed and pursued her prey armed with a bow and arrows. On this coin we see Diana with Olympic cyclists. Hunters in their own right, they pursue and chase their opponent to win gold.

An athletic and vigorous young god, Mercury was renowned as being the messenger of the gods, flying swiftly between the mortal and immortal worlds. The coin’s design represents the strong association Mercury has with the modern day athlete, in particular the Olympic runner – who relies on speed and agility as the god was said to have done.

Jupiter was king of the Roman gods and controlled the sky and thunder. He is pictured with an Olympic diver.

Apollo was the Roman god of the sun, truth and music. He is pictured with Olympic gymnasts, who employ music as part of their routines.

Juno was queen of the Roman gods and protector of the empire. She is pictured on this coin with an Olympic athlete pole vaulting.

Mars was god of war, he was revered by conquering Roman soldiers throughout the empire. Boxing has been an Olympic sport since the seventh-century BC when opponents fought with strips of leather around their fists. In 1867, the sport’s regulations were codified by The Marquess of Queensbury and are still in use today. At London 2012, women’s boxing will take place alongside the men’s events for the first time.

Minerva is one of the great Roman divinities and is the personification of thought, calculation and inventive power. In ancient times, the javelin was a weapon. It was lighter than a spear, and designed to be thrown rather than thrust, so it was used in long-distance battles. Athletes competed with a lighter version with a leather thong wound around the middle which caused the javelin to spiral in flight.

Vulcan is the ancient god of fire in Roman mythology and was skilled in the art of metalwork. The hammer throw has been a regular event of the modern Olympic Games having been first included in 1900.