BJORN IRONSIDE Vikings Gods Kings Warriors 2 Oz Silver Coin 2$ Niue 2016

Bjorn's depiction on the reverse of the coin is based upon the historical account of his sacking of the town of Luna, Italy, which legend says he believed to be Rome at the time. Unable to breach the town walls by force, Bjorn sent messengers to the resident Bishop of Luna who announced (lied about) Bjorn's death and last request for a deathbed conversion, and the desire to be buried on consecrated ground within the church. The Bishop, agreeing to Bjorn's request, permitted Bjorn's "dead" body entry into the chapel with a small honor guard. To the amazement of the Italian clerics and others in attendance, Bjorn surprised the crowd by bursting from his "coffin" and fighting his way to the town gates to win their eventual freedom, allowing his army entrance to Luna and its riches. On the bottom of the coin, the inscription: "Bjorn Ironside" – the name of the coin. The obverse of the coin portrays the Ian Rank-Broadley effigy of Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth II, the monetary denomination: "Two Dollars", the issue year: "2016", the issue country: "Niue" and "2 Oz 999 Fine Silver" - the weight and the fineness of Silver.