Axolotl Decision Maker Coin in Solid Copper
Axolotl
With their showy gill frills and tadpole-tails, fantastical axolotls have captured the affection of anyone who’s ever looked into their rosy, smooth faces.
If you’ve never sought counsel from an axolotl, don’t worry. This coin will aid you in your decision-making quest!
- Solid Copper coin
- 19.7g / .69 oz
- 1.42" / 36mm diameter
- Expert patina to highlight the engraving
Axolotls are native to the beautiful lakes and wetlands that make up the Valley of Mexico and share their history and home with ancient Mesoamerican societies.
The word “Axolotl” comes from the Nahuatl language. It is believed to be derived from “atl”, Nahuatl for “water”, and “Xolotl”, a dog-headed, shape-shifting Aztec deity of fire and lightning.
In Nahua folklore’s creation story of the Fifth Sun, Xolotl rebels against death and transforms himself into an axolotl to escape being sacrificed by his brother, Quetzalcóatl.
Because of Xolotl’s myriad of forms, the word “axolotl” can be translated a number of ways: “water dog”, “water monster”, “water twin”, and “water toy” are just a few!
Axolotls have perplexed naturalists for millennia with their ability to regenerate exact copies of their limbs, eyeballs, and even brains when injured! Axolotls snack on each other’s limbs from time to time, but what’s a little cannibalism between friends?
Gazing upon the axolotl’s enigmatic visage, one cannot help but exclaim, “that is baby”. Truly, they are. Axolotls are neotenic, which means they never metamorphosize into adults!
Coin design by Michael Shantz, engraved by Woody Maringer. Learn more about our artists.
© Shire Post Mint. All Rights Reserved.
Gift Envelope Information
Gift Envelope InformationEach order comes packed with a handwritten envelope sealed with wax straight from Shire Post Mint! Unless changed, we will hand write the name of the person listed in the Shipping Address.
If ordering a gift or if you'd like to customize your handwritten name, please include the recipient's name in the Order Notes/Personalization Options field as you complete your order.
One envelope is included in your order, if you would like to purchase additional handwritten Gift Envelopes, you can find them here.
Our Process
Shire Post Mint coins are struck one at a time in West Fork, Arkansas, USA using solid metals, hand-engraved designs, antique machinery and traditional coining techniques. For antiqued coins, the coloring/patina process is done by hand, and it is both an art and a science so coins will vary slightly. Our unique packaging includes a description of each coin and translations if applicable.
We collaborate with many artists to create our coins. Learn more about our artists.
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