St. Elmo MerlinGold®

For centuries, mariners have invoked the name of St. Elmo, relying on his aid and protection as they have made their way from port to port.

This coin pays tribute to St. Elmo's enduring legacy as the Patron Saint of Mariners. The obverse depcits the figure of St. Elmo standing guard over a wind tossed ship beneath the words: "St. Elmo Protect Us." The presence of two lightning bolts emenating from the clouds at left is significant. Based on maritime legend, one streak of lightning portends bad weather on the horizon while a pair of lighting bolts signals fair skies ahead. Accordingly, the  ship on the coin's reverse is depicted as sailing under fair skies.

The natural phenomenon known as St. Elmo's fire was regarded as sacred by the Greek gods Helen, the moon goddess and Hermes, god of magic. Other names for this phenomenon include St. Anne's Light and Saint Electricity. Some scholars claim that St. Elmo and St. Erasmus of Syria were the same person.

This proof-like coin is minted in MerlinGold,^® a proprietary brass alloy that simulates the look and feel of gold. It comes sealed in a tarnish-resistant Lucite capsule and is accompanied by a header card that describes Northwest Territorial Mint's commitment to qualtiy.