961) Leonardo da Vinci, France: The latest issue from the Monnaie de Paris, France highlights him on the latest Europa Silver star Coin Programme issued by the Paris Mint: Coin issue date: 03/2019:
The Monnaie de Paris has issued their 2019 dated Europa Star coins which is part of an on-going multi-national numismatic programme dedicated to highlighting the "Ages of Europe". This year's theme is on the "Renaissance Period", which defines a period of European history between the 14th and 17th centuries that led to the transition from the "Middle Ages to Modernity".
The banner displaying an image of the 50 Euro Gold Coin against a background image of the three elements which have been represented on the Reverse of all the Gold & Silver coins issued in this set - image of Leonardo da Vinci, Francois I and the Amboise Castle, where Da Vinci has been laid to rest
About Leonardo da Vinci:
He was born on 15.04.1452 to a peasant girl and was the illegitimate first born son of a Florentine notary Piero da Vinci.
He started life with none of the advantages of a well-born son. Poorly educated, he was trained not for his father's office, but rather apprenticed to the studio-school of the artist Andrea del Verrocchio where his exceptional eye and draftsmanship were quickly recognised by Lorenzo de Medici.
Leonardo was a man of contradictions - a hater of war, who designed weapons of destruction, a vegetarian who dissected animals and humans for anatomical research, a great painter who questioned the received knowledge of Classical writers, but who nevertheless, read them avidly, one who served powerful masters, but whose mastery surpassed theirs, one who saw the divine in the human form but who was often scornful of humanity.
Lorenzo de Medici assisted Leonardo in moving on from his youthful problems including a narrowly averted prosecution for homo-sexuality in 1464 and an unfinished commission of "The Adoration of the Magi" and to seek the service of Ludovico Sforza - the Duke of Milan. Leonardo wrote to the war-like duke a detailed letter outlining his military prowess in the building of new military engines, detailed through his artistic designs/drawing.
Leonardo's career was formed during his 17 years in Milan for Sforza gave him freedom to develop his ideas.
Later, Leonardo was presented to the young and progressive French King Francis I, who was so delighted with Leonardo, that he invited him to live in France.
In 1516, Leonardo moved to France dying at Amboise in 1519 at the age of 67.
Leonardo was a Renaissance man in all senses of the term, a polymath blessed with multi-talented gifts that he explored and manifested, creating a synthesis of disciplines that is truly inspirational. Few artists enjoyed a career so varied and influential, for he was not only a painter, sculptor and musician, but an engineer, overseer of water-works and canals, inventor, natural historian, original thinker and philosopher, as well as, a theoretical scientist.
The world of Renaissance served as a backdrop to Leonardo's brilliance, a time when new ideas such as humanitarian, scientific understanding of the cosmos and personal destiny began to question the received wisdom of the Church, which ruled by dogma rather than experience. He created blue-prints for many ideas and artefacts, one now takes for granted, including manual flight, the submersible, the diving bell, helicopters, tanks, steam power, advanced hydraulics, plastic and contact lenses, as well as the camera obscura, which preceded the modern camera.
He always held that "my proofs contradict the authority of certain respected men who are looked up to because of their inexperienced judgements".
He also believed that "all of our knowledge has its origin in our perceptions".
About Leonardo da Vinci:
He was born on 15.04.1452 to a peasant girl and was the illegitimate first born son of a Florentine notary Piero da Vinci.
He started life with none of the advantages of a well-born son. Poorly educated, he was trained not for his father's office, but rather apprenticed to the studio-school of the artist Andrea del Verrocchio where his exceptional eye and draftsmanship were quickly recognised by Lorenzo de Medici.
Leonardo was a man of contradictions - a hater of war, who designed weapons of destruction, a vegetarian who dissected animals and humans for anatomical research, a great painter who questioned the received knowledge of Classical writers, but who nevertheless, read them avidly, one who served powerful masters, but whose mastery surpassed theirs, one who saw the divine in the human form but who was often scornful of humanity.
Lorenzo de Medici assisted Leonardo in moving on from his youthful problems including a narrowly averted prosecution for homo-sexuality in 1464 and an unfinished commission of "The Adoration of the Magi" and to seek the service of Ludovico Sforza - the Duke of Milan. Leonardo wrote to the war-like duke a detailed letter outlining his military prowess in the building of new military engines, detailed through his artistic designs/drawing.
Leonardo's career was formed during his 17 years in Milan for Sforza gave him freedom to develop his ideas.
Later, Leonardo was presented to the young and progressive French King Francis I, who was so delighted with Leonardo, that he invited him to live in France.
In 1516, Leonardo moved to France dying at Amboise in 1519 at the age of 67.
Leonardo was a Renaissance man in all senses of the term, a polymath blessed with multi-talented gifts that he explored and manifested, creating a synthesis of disciplines that is truly inspirational. Few artists enjoyed a career so varied and influential, for he was not only a painter, sculptor and musician, but an engineer, overseer of water-works and canals, inventor, natural historian, original thinker and philosopher, as well as, a theoretical scientist.
The world of Renaissance served as a backdrop to Leonardo's brilliance, a time when new ideas such as humanitarian, scientific understanding of the cosmos and personal destiny began to question the received wisdom of the Church, which ruled by dogma rather than experience. He created blue-prints for many ideas and artefacts, one now takes for granted, including manual flight, the submersible, the diving bell, helicopters, tanks, steam power, advanced hydraulics, plastic and contact lenses, as well as the camera obscura, which preceded the modern camera.
He always held that "my proofs contradict the authority of certain respected men who are looked up to because of their inexperienced judgements".
He also believed that "all of our knowledge has its origin in our perceptions".
The Europa Coin Programme:
The Europa Coin Programme is an initiative dedicated to issuing collector coins in precious metals which celebrate European identity.
Coins issued under this series are issued by the European Union's Eurozone Member States and the issuing authorities of European Union Member countries voluntarily contribute coins to the Europa Coin Programme.
The Europa Star Series highlights European achievements, anniversaries and common history or cultural ties.
Several countries have taken part in this programme, since its inception in 2004.
Some coins are denominated in Euros, while others are denominated in other currencies. These coins are all legal tender.
The Eurostar logo:
The Eurostar logo
The Eurostar logo is the special mark used on these coins which signify that they have been issued under the "Euro Coin Programme". The design of the logo is a stylised combination of an "E" (often used to symbolise a member nation, for example on the EU Flag).
It is a requirement that the coins must show the Eurostar distinctly and visibly to the naked eye, but not be an integral to the coin's design.
Other standard features for the coins issued under the programme:
a) The coins must be at least .900 Silver of Gold and be of Proof quality.
b) The coins should be approx. "crown-sized" which allows for national traditions and customs.
c) The coins must show the Eurostar logo distinctly.
The programme was re-launched in 2016 and highlighted the modern 20th Century. With the re-launch in 2016, were introduced two new features that include a graphic motif for all of the National Obverse sides and a thematic line defined over five years highlighting five eras in European history. After the Modern 20th Century, the Age of Iron and Glass and the Age of Baroque and Rococo, the programme now focusses on the Renaissance Era.
The Renaissance Era:
The Renaissance Era began in the 14th Century AD in Florence, Italy, under the influence and patronage of its dominant ruling family - the Medicis.
Various theories have been proposed to account for its origins and characteristics, which focus on a variety of factors including the social and civic peculiarities of Florence at that time.
Others hypothesise the growth of thye movement was dueto its political structure, as well as, the exodus of Greek scholars and texts from the Byzantine lands to Italy following the fall of Constantinople to the invading Ottomans. The renaissance today is remembered and defined as having initiated revolutions in a variety of intellectual and artistic pursuits, most notably in social and political turmoil. The era is, of course, best-known for its artistic developments and the contributions of polymaths such as Leonardo da Vinci and Michelangelo. Their examples of excellence in a variety of pursuits would over a period of time, give rise to the term - "Renaissance Man."
The themes over the past years for the Eurostar Coin Programme have been:
2004 - EU Enlargement
2005 - Peace and Freedom
2006 - Distinguished European figures
2007 - European Realisation
2008 - Cultural Heritage
2009 - European Heritage
2010 -European Architecture
2011 - European Explorers
2012 - European Visual Arts
2013 - European Writers
2014 - European Composers
2015 - Anniversary of the UNO
2016 - The Ages of Europe
2017 - The Age of Iron and Glass
2018 - Baroque and Rococo Periods
2019 - Renaissance Period in Europe
The Coins issued by Monnaie de Paris (the Paris Mint) under this programme in 2019:
The coins are issued under the Europa Silver Star Programme in which several Eurozone Member States have participated with this year's theme - "Renaissance Period".
The National side includes a distinct design relevant to the theme - in this case Leonardo da Vinci one of the most prominent figures of the Renaissance period, while the Obverse side has a common design that includes the Europa Star logo and elements of the country of issue such as an effigy of a reigning monarch, National Crest or an Insignia et al - the allegorical figure of Marianne, the symbol of Liberty on this coin.
The Reverse of the 200 Euros Gold Coin
The Reverse of the Gold Coins in the denominations of 200, 50 and 5 Euros and the Silver Coins in the denominations of 50 and 10 Euros, all share the same design.
This face highlights the Renaissance with three key symbols - the first is an image of Francois I, who is remembered as a prodigious patron of the arts who helped initiate the French Renaissance by attracting many Italian artists to France, including Leonardo da Vinci.
The second is an image of Leonardo da Vinci who is the ultimate symbol, which is seen to the right half of the coin's design. Da Vinci is depicted with two of his masterpieces - the Vitruvian Man and a rendition of his revolutionary flying machine.
The third is an image of the Amboise Castle, in the lower half of this face, where da Vinci was laid to rest.
Above the primary design is an inscription in stylised script that reads "LEONARDO DA VINCI" and "500 ANS".The denomination of the coins are seen to the right of the profile of Francois I.
On the Obverse of all the Gold and Silver coins issued in this set, which is common to all the countries in the Europa Star Programme is displayed a Star as its primary feature, inspired by the Logo.
In the centre is a representation of a front-facing image of the female allegorical figure of Marianne, surrounded by the inscription "REPUBLIQUE FRANCAISE". On the outer periphery is the theme of the coin issue - "EUROPE RENAISSANCE". The EUROPA logo is placed below the image of Marianne.
The Monnaie de Paris mintmark - an overflowing Cornucopia (Horn of Plenty) is to the right of the EUROPA logo on the lower periphery, in which Coins (symbolising wealth) are seen falling out of the Cornucopia.
Other standard features for the coins issued under the programme:
a) The coins must be at least .900 Silver of Gold and be of Proof quality.
b) The coins should be approx. "crown-sized" which allows for national traditions and customs.
c) The coins must show the Eurostar logo distinctly.
The programme was re-launched in 2016 and highlighted the modern 20th Century. With the re-launch in 2016, were introduced two new features that include a graphic motif for all of the National Obverse sides and a thematic line defined over five years highlighting five eras in European history. After the Modern 20th Century, the Age of Iron and Glass and the Age of Baroque and Rococo, the programme now focusses on the Renaissance Era.
The Renaissance Era:
The Renaissance Era began in the 14th Century AD in Florence, Italy, under the influence and patronage of its dominant ruling family - the Medicis.
Various theories have been proposed to account for its origins and characteristics, which focus on a variety of factors including the social and civic peculiarities of Florence at that time.
Others hypothesise the growth of thye movement was dueto its political structure, as well as, the exodus of Greek scholars and texts from the Byzantine lands to Italy following the fall of Constantinople to the invading Ottomans. The renaissance today is remembered and defined as having initiated revolutions in a variety of intellectual and artistic pursuits, most notably in social and political turmoil. The era is, of course, best-known for its artistic developments and the contributions of polymaths such as Leonardo da Vinci and Michelangelo. Their examples of excellence in a variety of pursuits would over a period of time, give rise to the term - "Renaissance Man."
The themes over the past years for the Eurostar Coin Programme have been:
2004 - EU Enlargement
2005 - Peace and Freedom
2006 - Distinguished European figures
2007 - European Realisation
2008 - Cultural Heritage
2009 - European Heritage
2010 -European Architecture
2011 - European Explorers
2012 - European Visual Arts
2013 - European Writers
2014 - European Composers
2015 - Anniversary of the UNO
2016 - The Ages of Europe
2017 - The Age of Iron and Glass
2018 - Baroque and Rococo Periods
2019 - Renaissance Period in Europe
The Coins issued by Monnaie de Paris (the Paris Mint) under this programme in 2019:
The coins are issued under the Europa Silver Star Programme in which several Eurozone Member States have participated with this year's theme - "Renaissance Period".
The National side includes a distinct design relevant to the theme - in this case Leonardo da Vinci one of the most prominent figures of the Renaissance period, while the Obverse side has a common design that includes the Europa Star logo and elements of the country of issue such as an effigy of a reigning monarch, National Crest or an Insignia et al - the allegorical figure of Marianne, the symbol of Liberty on this coin.
The Reverse of the Gold Coins in the denominations of 200, 50 and 5 Euros and the Silver Coins in the denominations of 50 and 10 Euros, all share the same design.
This face highlights the Renaissance with three key symbols - the first is an image of Francois I, who is remembered as a prodigious patron of the arts who helped initiate the French Renaissance by attracting many Italian artists to France, including Leonardo da Vinci.
The second is an image of Leonardo da Vinci who is the ultimate symbol, which is seen to the right half of the coin's design. Da Vinci is depicted with two of his masterpieces - the Vitruvian Man and a rendition of his revolutionary flying machine.
The third is an image of the Amboise Castle, in the lower half of this face, where da Vinci was laid to rest.
Above the primary design is an inscription in stylised script that reads "LEONARDO DA VINCI" and "500 ANS".The denomination of the coins are seen to the right of the profile of Francois I.
In the centre is a representation of a front-facing image of the female allegorical figure of Marianne, surrounded by the inscription "REPUBLIQUE FRANCAISE". On the outer periphery is the theme of the coin issue - "EUROPE RENAISSANCE". The EUROPA logo is placed below the image of Marianne.
The Monnaie de Paris mintmark - an overflowing Cornucopia (Horn of Plenty) is to the right of the EUROPA logo on the lower periphery, in which Coins (symbolising wealth) are seen falling out of the Cornucopia.
The specifications of the various variants of Gold Coins are:
200 Euro Gold Coin:
Denomination: 200 Euros; Metal Composition: .999 Gold (Au); Weight: 31.1 grams or 1.0 Oz; Diameter/Size: 37.0 mm; Coin Quality: Proof; Maximum Mintage: 250 pieces; Mint: Monnaie de Paris; Year: 2019.
50 Euro Gold Coin:
Denomination: 50 Euros; Metal Composition: .999 Gold (Au); Weight: 7.78 grams; Diameter/Size: 22.0 mm; Coin Quality: Proof; Maximum Mintage: 500 pieces; Mint: Monnaie de Paris; Year: 2019.
5 Euro Gold Coin:
Denomination: 5 Euros; Metal Composition: .999 Gold (Au); Weight: 0.5 grams; Diameter/Size: 11.0 mm; Coin Quality: Proof; Maximum Mintage: 2,000 pieces; Mint: Monnaie de Paris; Year: 2019.
The specifications of the various variants of the Silver Coin are:
50 Euro Silver Coin:
Denomination: 50 Euros; Metal Composition: .950 Silver (Ag); Weight: 163.8 grams; Diameter/Size: 50.0 mm; Coin Quality: Proof; Maximum mintage: 250 pieces; Mint: Monnaie de Paris; Year: 2019.
10 Euro Silver Coin:
Denomination: 10 Euros; Metal Composition: .999 Silver (Ag); Weight: 22.2 grams; Diameter/Size:37.0 mm; Coin Quality: Proof; Maximum mintage: 5,000 pieces; Mint: Monnaie de Paris; Year: 2019.
The Da Vinci Enigma Tarot: Caitlin Matthews: Illustrations: Painting/Works of Leonardo da Vinci:
I have in my Tarot Library "The Da Vinci Enigma Tarot", by Caitlin Matthews features images of his concepts and innovative work on all the cards. The 21st Card of the Major Arcana (or the Macrocosm Card) shows the Vitruvian Man in a squared circle" (The World).
In the Da Vinci Enigma Tarot, the Minor Arcana suits are not called by their traditional names i.e. Swords, Wands, Cups and Coins/Pentacles, but by their basic Elemental names i.e. Air, Fire, Water and Earth.
The Major Arcana Cards are referred to as the "Macrocosm Cards", while those of the Minor Arcana are called the "Microcosm Cards".
Also, it is a unique feature of this Deck, in that, Leonardo was given to the habit of writing in the margins of his notebooks "dimmi" (meaning "tell me") whenever he tried out a new pen-nib as it challenging it to tell him the answer to something he had omitted or not seen. In each of the card interpretations, a "dimmi" question has been included for the querent, challenging him/her to look at the situation confronting him/her anew.
The XXI Card (World) in the Da Vinci Enigma Tarot presents his work "The Vitruvian Man"
For posts on coins issued under the Eurostar Coin Programme, please visit the following links:
The Da Vinci Enigma Tarot: Caitlin Matthews: Illustrations: Painting/Works of Leonardo da Vinci:
I have in my Tarot Library "The Da Vinci Enigma Tarot", by Caitlin Matthews features images of his concepts and innovative work on all the cards. The 21st Card of the Major Arcana (or the Macrocosm Card) shows the Vitruvian Man in a squared circle" (The World).
In the Da Vinci Enigma Tarot, the Minor Arcana suits are not called by their traditional names i.e. Swords, Wands, Cups and Coins/Pentacles, but by their basic Elemental names i.e. Air, Fire, Water and Earth.
The Major Arcana Cards are referred to as the "Macrocosm Cards", while those of the Minor Arcana are called the "Microcosm Cards".
Also, it is a unique feature of this Deck, in that, Leonardo was given to the habit of writing in the margins of his notebooks "dimmi" (meaning "tell me") whenever he tried out a new pen-nib as it challenging it to tell him the answer to something he had omitted or not seen. In each of the card interpretations, a "dimmi" question has been included for the querent, challenging him/her to look at the situation confronting him/her anew.
For posts on coins issued under the Eurostar Coin Programme, please visit the following links:
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