Gordian knot

Certificate Case

Gordian knot

Certificate Case
Archive

Coin value

2000 francs KFA

Issuer

Cameroon

Manufacturer

Mint of Poland

Year of issue

2021

Mintage

500

Fineness

999

Ligature mass, g

62.2

Quality of mintage

antique finish, selective gilding, high relief

Metal

Silver

The Gordian knot was an intricate knot of straps securing the yoke to the draw tongue of the Phrygian king Gordius' chariot of war. It was believed that the person who could untangle this knot would gain control of the world. The ambitious Alexander the Great, who dreamt of achieving worldwide fame, tried to untie this knot, but failed. Then, becoming enraged, he drew his sword and cut the unyielding knot. The idiomatic expression “Gordian knot” refers to a situation in which a problem or task is so difficult that to solve it requires an unconventional, original, volitional approach. The Ouroboros serpent, depicted on the coin, embodies the endlessness of the cycle of life, the combination of the irreconcilable. Death is always followed by rebirth, and creation is always followed by destruction.

It was also believed that if a person did a good thing, Ouroboros would help them get payback in the form of a reward. If an evil deed is committed, then one should not be surprised when the reaction turns out to be a negative one. The image on the coin symbolises the unity that binds all things together. The cutting of the knot symbolises the shortest path to the goal, to releasing the power restrained power within. This coin is made of two ounces of sterling silver with a timeless antique finish in high relief.