Hercules became an icon of Greek mythology through tales of incredible strength and adventure.

From slaying lions to capturing three-headed beasts, some of his greatest feats came to pass during the Twelve Labors — which are now being celebrated by the 12 Labors of Hercules series from Provident Metals.

This powerful new collection will consist of 28 releases including the BU silver and copper 5 oz Hercules (2), the 12 labors in both silver and copper bullion (24), the 5 oz silver Hercules proof and the 1 oz silver proof of the same design (2).

The introductory piece is this 12 Labors of Hercules 5 oz Silver round. Each 5 oz round measures 63mm in diameter and contains .999 fine silver.

The obverse features a left-facing profile of Hercules wearing the Nemean Lion’s hide as armor on his head. The detailed design also shows the mythological demigod clutching his famous club.

The reverse is inscribed with THE 12 LABORS OF HERCULES at the center. A decorative vine wraps around the text. FIVE TROY OZ, CMXCIX — or .999 in roman numerals — and FINE SILVER are also included.

12 Labors of Hercules

Driven crazy by Hera, Hercules slew his family — only regretful after recovering his sanity. King Thespius purified the son of Zeus, but to atone for his crimes, he was sent to serve King Eurystheus.

Eurystheus ordered Hercules to execute 10 Labors, which were a series of tasks carried out as penance for his actions. Hercules successfully completed all 10, but because his nephew helped with one and he planned to accept payment for another, Eurystheus forced Hercules to finish two more Labors alone.

Hercules’ Labors adhere to the traditional order of the Bibliotheca:

1. Nemean Lion – Sept. 12, 2014
2. Lernaean Hydra – Oct. 12, 2014;
3. Ceryneian Hind – Nov. 12, 2014;
4. Erymanthian Boar – Dec. 12, 2014;
5. Augean Stables – Jan. 12, 2015;
6. Stymphalian Birds – Feb. 12, 2015;
7. Cretan Bull – March 12, 2015;
8. Mares of Diomedes – April 12, 2015;
9. Girdle of Hippolyta – May 12, 2015;
10. Cattle of Geryon – June 12, 2015;
11. Apples of Hesperides – July 12, 2015;
12. Cerberus – Aug. 12, 2015

The 1 oz bullion Labor rounds will be released once per month beginning Sept. 12, and will ONLY be available for purchase until the 12th of the following month, when there will be one day of overlap between rounds. Upon conclusion of sales for each round, a mintage will be published.

The final day of sales of this 5 oz Hercules round will be Sept. 12, 2015, which is also when the 12 Labors of Hercules series will conclude with Cerberus bullion copper and silver rounds.

Additionally, a proof version of the Hercules 5 oz Silver round will be available with an extremely limited mintage of 500. A Hercules 1 oz Silver Proof round will also be released with a mintage of just 1,000. The 5 and 1 oz Hercules proof rounds will be the only proof versions issued in the series and each will be released in late fall 2014.

Collect this formidable 12 Labors of Hercules series in both copper and silver from Provident Metals — and strengthen your portfolio today!