2018 Niue $2 1-oz Silver Colorized Battle of Marathon Antiqued - Battles that Changed History

The Battle – and the Epic Victory Run – That Changed History

Have you ever wondered where the word "marathon" comes from? It's used for all sorts of things from binge-watching your favorite television shows to all-night study sessions to even a politician's attempt at filibustering on the floor of Congress. But for most people it means the epic 26.2-mile race that has its roots in one of history's most famous battles – the Battle of Marathon fought more than 2,500 years ago. Now you can remember this epic battle – and the race it spawned – as part of the Battles that Changed History series!

Struck in a full ounce of 99.9% silver, this legal-tender $2 coin displays the Athenian General Miltiades standing in full color before an antiqued background displaying the famous Battle of Marathon. The Battle of Marathon was fought in 490 B.C. during the first Persian invasion of Greece. Outnumbered nearly 3-to-1, Miltiades was able to choose his field of battle in a location near the town of Marathon that featured mountainous terrain and soggy marshes – obstacles that negated the Persians' cavalry. Mounting a frontal assault, Miltiades was able to lure the Persians forward and then he attacked both flanks. The attack was devastating and resulted in the slaughter of thousands of Persians. It was the first time the Greeks had defeated the Persians in battle and ushered in a new era in Mediterranean history.

To this day the Battle of Marathon is commemorated around the world in the 26.2-mile race that pays tribute to the fabled run of the Greek soldier Pheidippides, who after the battle ran to Athens to spread the news about the victory to citizens anxious about the battle's outcome. Upon completing the grueling run in the intense heat of summer, Pheidippides was only able to utter "Nike!" (Victory) before he collapsed and died from exhaustion.

If you've ever run a marathon or know someone who has, this coin belongs in your collection as a reminder of the event's historic origins. But you'll need to race to get one; just 5,000 of these magnificent Gem Brilliant Uncirculated (BU) coins were struck – far too few for the history buffs and students of ancient warfare who would like a piece of this release, let alone coin collectors who are eager to own one. Get yours before the battle is already lost!

• NEW RELEASE IN THE BATTLES THAT CHANGED HISTORY COIN COLLECTION-- Get the latest piece of what is already a special collection of antiqued silver coins!

• COLORED IMAGE LEGENDARY ATHENIAN GENERAL MILTIADES – The creative design of the Battle of Marathon Antiqued Silver Coin combines color and engraved elements with an antique finish! It features legendary Athenian General Miltiades, in full color amid a spectacular silver coin with antique finish. The coin's obverse features the portrait of Queen Elizabeth II.

• STRUCK IN PURE SILVER – Each Battle of Marathon Antiqued Silver Coin was struck in one troy ounce of 99.9% silver.

• LEGAL-TENDER COINAGE – These Battle of Marathon Antiqued Silver Coins are two dollars Legal Tender for the Island Nation of Niue. They were struck at the prestigious New Zealand Mint, a mint known for high quality design and production!

• GORGEOUS GEM BRILLIANT UNCIRCULATED CONDITION – Your Battle of Marathon coin will come in Gem Brilliant Uncirculated (BU) condition, meaning that your coin is the product of a superb strike that places it firmly among the elite of the run.

• LOW LIMITED EDITION – The Battle of Marathon Antiqued One-Ounce Silver Coin has a limited edition of just 5,000.

• COMES IN SPECIAL PACKAGING – Your Battle of Marathon Antiqued One-Ounce Silver Coin comes encased in in antique-looking timber box and a battle-themed outer presentation case. It will also be accompanied by a certificate of authenticity.