D’Artagnan

The Three Musketeers novel narrates the adventures of a young 18-year-old Gascon, known as D’Artagnan, who goes to Paris to become a musketeer. The real musketeers are Athos, Porthos and Aramis, inseparable friends. D’Artagnan confronts all of them, but they finally become his friends. Together they serve King Louis XIII and confront his Prime Minister, Cardinal Richelieu and his agents. The reverse depicts the moment when D’Artagnan confronts the veteran musketeers for the first time, with the boldness of his youth. Behind the scene is another seated musketeer and other villagers watching the duel, along with some animals and a background of 17th-century Paris, with Notre Dame in the distance. The obverse depicts the royal throne of France, with the crown of Louis XIII and the solideo of Richelieu, who were vying for control of the country. A kneeling musketeer swears allegiance in the throne room of the Royal Palace, three pistols and three swords, representing the three musketeers, and the Public Seal of Niue.