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Sunday 28 April 2019

985) Old Town of Avila, Spain: A UNESCO World Heritage site featured on a 2 Euro Proof Coin by the Fabrica Nacional de Moneda y Timbre Real Casa de la Moneda", (FNMT-RCM - "National Coinage and Stamp Factory- The Royal Spanish Mint):

985) Old Town of Avila, Spain: A UNESCO World Heritage site featured on a 2 Euro Proof Coin by the Fabrica Nacional de Moneda y Timbre Real Casa de la Moneda", (FNMT-RCM - "National Coinage and Stamp Factory- The Royal Spanish Mint):

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In 2010, a Coin Series was commenced by the "Fabrica Nacional de Moneda y Timbre Real Casa de la Moneda" (FNMT-RCM - "National Coinage and stamp Factory - the Royal Spanish Mint") which commemorated properties and sites included in the UNESCO World Heritage Sites List

The first nine coins were dedicated to - the historic centre of Cordoba, Alhambra, Generalife and Albaicinin Granada, Cathedral of Burgos, Monastery of El Escorial, "Works of Gaudi", Altamira Cave, Aqueduct of Segovia, Church of Santa Maria del Naranco and the Old Town of Santiago de Compostela. 

Now, in its tenth year, the FNMT-RCM has dedicated its latest Coin in the Series to the "Old Town of Avila".


The 2 Euro Commemorative Coin depicting the "Old Town of Avila", placed alongside the blister pack presentation album

Founded in the 11th Century to protect the Spanish territories from the Moors, this City of Saints and stones", the birth-place of St. Teresa and the burial place of the Grand inquisitor - Torquemada, has kept its medieval austerity, which can still be seen in the Gothic Cathedral and the fortifications which, with their 82 semi-circular towers and 9 gates are the most complete in Spain.

The medieval wall and the Romanesque churches outside the walls of San Pedro, San Vicente, San Andres and San Segundo are the elements expressly mentioned in the inscription and those that give the city its name "Old Town of Avila with its Extra-Muros churches."

On the Obverse of this 2 Euro Proof Coin is depicted an image of the Walls of Avila, the universal monument popular for its spectacular construction, which reaches a perimeter of 2,516 metres with its 87 towers.

On the outer periphery are the 12 stars symbolising the countries, which originally joined the European Union (EU). On top right is the name of the issuing country - "ESPANA" ("Spain") and the year of issue - "2019". At centre right is the mint mark of the Spanish Mint (A crown above the letter "M").

The specifications of this coin are:

Denomination: 2 Euros; Weight: 8.50 grams; Diameter: 25.75 mm; Coin Quality: Proof and Brilliant Uncirculated (BU) Euro Circulation Coin Sets; Presentation: 2019 Proof sets, BU Euro Circulation Coin sets and a special blister pack limited to 7,500 pieces. Mint: Royal Spanish Mint; Year of issue: 2019.

Remarks: The coin, individually hand-minted, utilising specially treated blanks and dies that ensure maximum quality, is presented in a stylish coin case that protects and at the same time, allows for a perfectly clear view of both the Obverse and Reverse faces of the Coin.

Adds the UNESCO Publishing Book titled "Treasures of the World" in my personal library:

"Avila is an outstanding example of a fortified city of the Middle Ages, the surrounding walls of which are fully intact. The density of religious and secular monuments, both inside (intra) and outside (extra) the city walls (muros) make it an urban ensemble of exceptional value.

The old town of Avila is a serial property, which includes the walled city of Avila and four extra-muros Romanesque churches -San Segundo, San Andres, San Vincente and San Pedro.

Founded in the eleventh century to protect the Spanish territories from the Moors, this 'City of Saints and Stones', the birthplace of St. Teresa and the burial place of the Grand Inquisitor Torquemada, has kept its medieval austerity. 

The layout of the city is an even quadrilateral with a perimeter of 2,516 metres. The walls date back to 1090 (but mostly rebuilt during the twelfth century) have an average thickness of 3 metres and are flanked by eighty-two semicircular towers, with nine gates of different periods. Access to the city is afforded by nine gates of different periods

The cathedral, with its crenellated Romanesque choir linked to the curtain wall, is part of the system of fortifications."

            An image of the fortified Old Town of Avila



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