0 JULE · PRÉLUDE METUS EX IGNOTO — DEEP SEA EXCHANGE ART ARTIFACT with Certificate

Historical Context

Long before treaties, exchanges, or diplomatic frameworks existed, fragmented reports emerged describing anomalous lights beneath the ocean, submerged structures, and non-human intelligences observing humanity from the depths.

These early accounts were dismissed as atmospheric effects, navigational errors, or folklore. Only later were they recognized as the first signals of an awakening deep-sea civilization.

The 0 Jule · Prélude coin records this threshold moment — when fear and speculation preceded understanding, and when knowledge itself was first perceived as dangerous.

The coin references two foundational states:

METUS EX IGNOTO
Fear born from the unknown — humanity’s initial response to unexplained deep-sea phenomena.

UNDERWORLD AWAKES
The moment the deep responded — the first acknowledged interaction between the world above and the world below.

Conceptual Meaning

0 Jule is not currency.
It is a zero-state artifact — a symbolic origin issued before value could be defined.

Its form deliberately breaks monetary symmetry.

Unique Form & Symbolism
The coin is intentionally non-circular:

Width: 40.0 mm
Height: 38.5 mm

This asymmetry represents an unstable, pre-defined state of reality, symbolizing a world not yet aligned with the systems of value, exchange, or mutual understanding.

The irregular proportions reflect:

imbalance between knowledge and fear,

an incomplete model of reality,

and the imperfect perception humanity had at the moment of first awareness.

The shape itself acts as a symbol of transition, emphasizing that this artifact belongs to a time before order was established.

Technical Specifications

Denomination: 0 Jule (Non-circulating, symbolic issue)

Series: Jule 0 · Prélude

Material: Zinc alloy
Finish: Antique / archival patina
Dimensions: 40.0 mm (width) × 38.5 mm (height)
Relief: Medium relief, coin-style strike
Edge: Plain (archival issue)

Mintage
Limited Edition: 100 coins total

Numbering: Individually serialized (001/100 – 100/100)

Distribution: Private collectors and archival preservation only

Status

Issued prior to the First Contact series, the 0 Jule · Prélude coin exists outside all later systems of exchange.

It is archived under Deep Sea Exchange as the conceptual origin artifact from which all subsequent Jule denominations emerge.