Dragon Bridge Gargoyle Type VI – 2 oz Silver Round

A winged dragon rises above the rooftops of Ljubljana on this Type VI release from Intaglio Mint’s Gargoyles of the World series. Inspired by the famous statues on Slovenia’s Dragon Bridge, the design combines a fierce mythological creature with a recognizable architectural setting. Two troy ounces of .999 fine silver and an ultra-high-relief strike give the dragon a commanding presence within the 39mm format.

A Modern Bridge with Mythical Guardians

Ljubljana’s Dragon Bridge was built in 1900–01 across the Ljubljanica River, replacing an earlier wooden crossing. Beneath its imaginative ornament was an important engineering achievement: it was the city’s first reinforced-concrete structure. Professor Josef Melan prepared the structural design, while architect Jurij Zaninović, a pupil of Otto Wagner, designed its decorative features.

Four large dragon statues made the bridge an enduring landmark. Their dramatic wings and watchful poses belong to a turn-of-the-century Art Nouveau setting, rather than a medieval building. Originally named the Jubilee Bridge of Emperor Franz Joseph I, the crossing bears the dates 1848–1888 in reference to the fortieth anniversary of his reign. Its combination of new construction methods and elaborate ornament makes it an especially fitting subject for a series devoted to architectural creatures.

Obverse Design

A dragon occupies the foreground with an open mouth, ridged neck and prominent outstretched wing. Buildings behind it establish the Ljubljana setting and add depth to the scene. “DRAGON BRIDGE” appears above the creature, identifying the landmark that inspired the design. The raised form contrasts with the finer cityscape details, drawing the eye first to the dragon’s face and wing.

Reverse Design

The series reverse frames “GARGOYLES OF THE WORLD” with Gothic window-like tracery. A small winged gargoyle perches above the central lettering, while the hallmark appears along the lower circumference. This shared architectural design connects the Dragon Bridge issue with the other creatures in the collection.

Specifications

• Weight: 2.00 troy ounces
• Thickness: Approximately 6mm
• Purity: .999 fine silver
• Edge: Reeded
• Diameter: 39mm
• Finish: Brilliant Uncirculated
• Relief: Ultra-High Relief

Explore more designs in our silver round collection.