Sacré Coeur Pig Gargoyle Type IV – 2 oz Silver Round
A watchful pig, an open mouth, and the rooftops of Paris give this Gargoyles of the World design its unmistakable character. Inspired by the exterior sculpture of the Basilica of Sacré-Cœur, the Type IV round brings architectural ornament into ultra-high relief on 2 troy ounces of .999 fine silver.
A Paris Landmark Built Over Generations
Sacré-Cœur stands on Montmartre, but its story belongs to modern Paris rather than the medieval age often associated with gargoyles. Architect Paul Abadie won the design competition in 1874, choosing a Romano-Byzantine style and a Greek-cross plan oriented to open toward the city. The foundation stone followed in 1875.
The building took shape in stages. A solemn inauguration was held in 1891 while the great dome was still unfinished, and the bell tower was completed in 1912. The First World War postponed the planned 1914 consecration; the ceremony finally took place on October 16, 1919, more than four decades after construction began. This long history gives the small animal sculptures on its exterior a setting far larger than their own scale.
Obverse Design
The pig gargoyle dominates the foreground, its tall ears and open mouth rising above a detailed Parisian cityscape. The contrast between the projecting animal and the tightly arranged buildings gives the scene depth. “SACRÉ COEUR” follows the upper-left curve of the rim, identifying the monument that inspired the design.
Reverse Design
The shared Gargoyles of the World reverse surrounds the series name with Gothic-style window tracery. A small gargoyle perches on the lettering, while the hallmark appears along the lower edge. The architectural border connects this Parisian subject with the other sculptural characters in the series.
Specifications
- Weight: 2.00 troy ounces
- Metal: .999 fine silver
- Diameter: 39 mm
- Thickness: approximately 6 mm
- Edge: Reeded
- Finish: Brilliant Uncirculated
- Relief: Ultra-High Relief
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