Cameroon – 2025 – 2000 Francs – Saint James the Less 12 Apostle Series GILDED

Description

The St. James the Less Coin is the eleventh release in the esteemed 12 Apostles Series, strikingly crafted in 2 oz of .999 fine silver with a limited mintage of just 199 pieces. Measuring 60 mm by 65 mm and issued by the Republic of Cameroon, this collectible is offered in both antique and gold-gilded finishes. The obverse features a minimalist yet potent depiction of a carpenter’s saw laid diagonally across a rugged wooden cross—symbolizing the martyr’s instrument—surrounded by sculpted stones that evoke the trials endured by early believers. Inscriptions along the blade and wood include “St. James the Less,” the year “2025,” silver purity, face value, and issuing authority. The antique finish lends a weathered reverence, while the gold-gilded version imparts a sacred dignity, transforming brutal symbolism into a reflection of holy sacrifice.

On the reverse, St. James the Less is portrayed at the moment of crucifixion, kneeling in serene surrender against the cross, his robes flowing and expression divine. The upper beam bears his name, and the choice of finishes—antique for dramatic shadows or gold-gilded for a martyr’s radiance—offers collectors two distinct emotional experiences. This coin honors a humble yet pivotal apostle whose leadership and unwavering devotion helped shape the early Church. With its unique iconography, dual artistic treatments, and exceptional craftsmanship, the St. James the Less Coin stands as both a rare numismatic treasure and a profound testament to faith carved in silence.