1012) "Jerusalem Windmill", Israel: The Ninth Coin in the Jerusalem of Gold" Bullion Coin Series: Issue year: 2019:

1012) "Jerusalem Windmill", Israel: The Ninth Coin in the Jerusalem of Gold" Bullion Coin Series: Issue year: 2019:

A Brief:

The Banner showing the Reverse and Obverse of the 20 New Israeli Shekel Gold Bullion Coin against the background of the Montefiore Windmill

The Montefiore Windmill is one of the first Jerusalem landmarks, which is located outside the Old City walls, which was named after its funder - British Jewish philanthropist Moses (or Moshe in Hebrew).

Montefiore was built in 1857 at the site where the Mishkenot Sha'ananim locality was established 12 years later.

It was originally designed as a flour mill and part of the Montefiore Project to help the Old Yishuv become more self-sufficient.

Montefiore was devoted to promoting industry in the Holy Land and under the Project, also built a printing press and a textile factory along with taking up several other projects.

In 1891, the windmill was phased out of use as a flour mill, after the Jewish community began using steam-powered mills to grind their wheat.

Nevertheless, the Windmill continued to bear a cultural significance and during the 1948 War of Independence was used by Jewish fighters as an observation point/post.

British authorities responded by bombing the windmill - an assault which was aptly titled "Operation Don Quixote".

The Gold Bullion Coin:

The Reverse of the 20 New Israeli Shekel (NIS) Gold Bullion Coin shows the Jerusalem Windmill. In the foreground are the outlines of the Walls of the Old City of Jerusalem and the Tower of David.

On the upper periphery "JERUSALEM" is spelt in three languages -  Hebrew, English and Arabic. To the centre right is the denomination of the coin - "20 NEW SHEKELS" and the year of issue "2019".

Below the year of issue is seen the "STAR OF DAVID" mint mark. On the lower periphery is inscribed the metal fineness and weight of the Coin - "1 OZ FINE GOLD .9999 " (in both English and Hebrew).

The Obverse of the 20 New Israeli Shekel (NIS) Gold Bullion Coin depicts the Lion of Megiddo, with its stylised curved tail, an image taken from an ancient seal excavated in Megiddo - Armageddon - in the Jordan Valley, dating from the 8th Century BC. The Seal belonged to Ahema, servant of King Jeroboam II. The Lion is the symbol of the Tribe of Judah and Jerusalem. 

Towards the upper periphery is the Israel State emblem. On the lower periphery is mentioned "ISRAEL" (in English, Hebrew and Arabic).

The specifications of this 20 NIS Gold Bullion Coin are:

Denomination: 20 New Israeli Shekel (NIS); Metal Composition: .9999 Fineness Gold (Au); Coin Quality: Brilliant Uncirculated; Mint Mark: Star of David; Diameter/Size: 32.0 mm; Weight: 31.1 grams or 1 OZ; Mintage: 3,600 pieces.

The custom-made presentation box in which the coin is shipped in a transparent capsule. The Coin is accompanied with a Certificate of Authenticity (COA).






More Posts from ICMC Israel on this Blog:

Gates of Jerusalem Coin Series:

1) "Jaffa Gate, Jerusalem", Israel: First Coin in the "Gates of Jerusalem" Coin Series: Gold & Silver Bullion Coins issued by the Israel Coins and Medals Corporation (ICMC) and minted by the Holy Land Mint in 2017: 

2) "Lion's Gate", Jerusalem, Israel: Second Coin in the "Gates of Jerusalem" Coin Series: Gold and Silver Bullion Coins issued by the Israel Coins and Medals Corporation (ICMC) and minted by the Holy Land Mint in 2018:

3) "Damascus Gate", Jerusalem, Israel: Third Coin in the "Gates of Jerusalem" Coin Series: Gold and Silver Bullion Coins issued by the Israel Coins and Medals Corporation (ICMC) and minted by the Holy Land Mint in 2018 (with the year of issue as 2019):

Birds of Israel Coin Series:

 1) Hoopoe: First coin in the "Birds of Israel Coin Series"

2) Warbler: Second Coin in the Birds of Israel Coin Series"

3) Vulture: Third coin in the "Birds of Israel Coin Series"

4) Lesser Kestrel: Fourth Coin in the "Birds of Israel Coin Series"

5) Goldfinch: Fifth Coin in the "Birds of Israel Coin Series"

6) Kingfisher: Sixth Coin in the "Birds of Israel Coin Series"

7) Sunbird: Seventh Coin in the "Birds of Israel Coin Series"

8) Barn Owl: Eighth Coin in the "Birds of Israel Coin Series"

Other interesting posts from Israel:

1) 50 Years of Reunification of Israel: Israel's 69th anniversary 50 Shekel gold coin and 10 Shekel Silver coin issued on 01.08.2017:

2) Centenary of the Battle of Haifa, Israel: Eretz, fought in September 2018 by the Indian cavalry comprising Jodhpur and Mysore Lancers against German and Turkish troops: A commemorative stamp brought out by Israel Post on 06.02.2018:

3) Butterflies of Israel: A Series of Eight Coins issued by the Israel Coins and Medals Corporation (ICMC), minted by the Holy Land Mint (2018)

4) 71st Anniversary of Israel's establishment: "Innovation Nation": A Gold 10 New Israeli Shekel (NIS) , a Silver 2 NIS Coin and a Silver 1 NIS Coin celebrate this year's milestone

5) "Jerusalem Windmill", Israel: The Ninth Coin in the Jerusalem of Gold Bullion Coin Series: Issue Year: 2019

"Views of Jerusalem" Gold and Silver Bullion Coin Series:

1) Walls of Jerusalem: Third Coin in the Series Gold and Silver Bullion Coins issued by ICMC, Israel & the Holy Land Mint (2018)

2) The City of David: Fourth Coin in the Gold and Silver Bullion Coin Series issued by ICMC, Israel & the Holy Land Mint, Israel (2019)

1011) Pope Francis' visit to Romania (31.05.2019 - 02.06.19): celebrated with a 500 Lei Gold & Aluminium-Zinc 50 Bani Collector Coins and a 50 Bani Circulation Coin:

1011) Pope Francis' visit to Romania (31.05.2019 - 02.06.19): celebrated with a 500 Lei Gold  &  Aluminium-Zinc 50 Bani Collector Coins and a 50 Bani Circulation Coin:

Links to some posts on Romanian currency and philately on this Blog:

1) Banknotes of Romania: Leu (Lei) and Ban (Bani)

2) Marine Landscapes in Painting: A set of four Stamps based on selected paintings by renowned Romanian Painters brought out by "Romfilatelia" on 07.07.2017

3) Wild Orchids found in Romania: A set of four Stamps on Orchids issued on 25.01.2017

4) Berries: A set of four stamps covering berries found in Romania, brought out by Romafilatelia on 20.09.2017

5) Romania's Centenary Anniversary of the Great Union of 01.12.1918: A 100 Lei Commemorative Banknote issued by the Banca Nationala'a Romaniei (Central Bank of Romania) on 01.12.2018

6) Pope Francis' visit to Romania (31.05.2019-02.06.2019: celebrated with 500 Lei Gold & Aluminium-Zinc 50 Bani Collector Coins and a 50 Bani Circulation Coin

The Banca Nationala a' Romanie (National Bank of Romania) is celebrating Pope Francis' historic visit to Romania from 31.05.2019 - 02.06.2019, with the issue of a Gold 500 Lei and an Aluminium-Zinc 50 Bani Collector Coins and a brass Circulation Coin.

The Obverse and Reverses of the two Collector Coins - 500 Lei Gold Coin & 50 Bani Aluminium-Zinc Coin shown side-by-side in this Coin Card by the National Bank of Romania

This is the second visit of a Pope to Romania, the first being that of Pope John Paul II, exactly 20 years ago, a little after the restoration of democracy to Romania.

The visit follows an official invitation by the State Authorities and the Romanian Catholic Church. 

The Papal (or Apostolic) three-day visit includes the Pope's official itinerary -  visits to the capital Bucharest, Iasi, Blaj in Transylvania and to the Marian Shrine/sanctuary of Sumuleu Ciuc on the outskirts of Miercurea Ciuc City.

The motto of the visit is "Lets walk together", as the visit's official logo is designed in blue and gold and depicts a group of Romanians walking beneath an image of Our Lady, which according to a statement from the Holy See Press Office, evokes the Virgin Mary's care and protection of the Romanian people.

Romania is often called "the garden of the Mother of God", a phrase which was used by Pope Saint John Paul II during his Apostolic journey to Romania.

The Commemorative Coins:

500 Lei Gold  Collector Coin:

The Monetana Statului mints Gold Proof Quality Coins at their facilities in Bucharest on behalf of the National Bank of Romania.

The Reverse of the 500 Lei Gold Coin depicts the specific places of worship which the Pope is scheduled to visit and the names of the  cities where they are located. These include St. Joseph's Cathedral - BUCARESTI, Marian Shrine - SUMULEU CIUC, Holy Trinity Cathedral - BLAJ, Our Lady Queen Cathedral - IASI.

The name of the issuing country "ROMANIA" is engraved on the upper left periphery, the year of issue "2019" is on the upper right periphery. The Coat of Arms of Romania is seen above the depiction of the Cathedral in Iasi. The denominational value of the Coin "500 Lei" is seen on the lower periphery.

The Obverse of the 500 Lei Gold  Coin shows a portrait of Pope Francis, his right hand lifted in a symbolic gesture of blessing the onlookers/well-wishers and the faithful. Besides the portrait is the official crest of the Vatican city state. 

On the outer periphery is the inscription "VISITA APOSTOLICA A SANCTITATII SALE PAPA FRANCISC IN ROMANIA - 31 MAI -2 JUNIE". On the inner periphery is the text - "SA MERGEM IMPREUNA" (meaning "Let's Walk Together".

The specifications of this Coin are:

Denomination: 500 Lei; Metal Composition: .999 Gold; Weight: 31.1 grams or 1 Oz; Diameter: 35.0 mm; Coin Quality: Proof; Maximum Mintage: 500 pieces.

50 Bani Aluminium-Zinc Collector Coin:

The Obverse and Reverse of the 50 Bani Coin placed together

The Reverse of the 50 Bani Aluminium-Zinc Coin shows the same design elements os the Reverse of the Gold 500 Lei Coin and is identical, except for the denominational value "50 BANI".

The Obverse of the 50 Bani Aluminium-Zinc coin is identical to the Obverse of the Gold 500 Lei Coin and exhibits the same design elements.

The specifications of the 50 Bani Coin are:

Denomination: 50 Bani; Metal Composition: Aluminium Zinc; Weight: 6.1 grams; Diameter: 23.7 mm; Coin Quality: Proof; Maximum Mintage: 10,000 pieces.

Brass (Aluminium-Zinc) Circulation Coins:

In addition 1 million Brass Circulation Coins with a face value of 50 Bani, will also be released into general circulation.

The Gold and Brass Collector Coins will be released through the regional branches of BNR in Bucharest, Cluj-Napoca, Iasi and Timisoara against cash payments to the Bank or the State Treasury.

1010) Year of the Rat, Mongolia (2020): Coin Invest Trust (CIT) is issuing a set of 1000 Togrog Gold & Silver Coins and a 100 Togrog Banknote to commemorate the coming Lunar Year: Coins will be minted by B.H. Mayer's Kunstprageanstalt, Munich on behalf of CIT for the Central Bank of Mongolia: Set issue date: 10/2019:

1010) Year of the Rat, Mongolia (2020): Coin Invest Trust (CIT) is issuing a set of 1000 Togrog Gold & Silver Coins and a 100 Togrog Banknote to commemorate the coming Lunar Year: Coins will be minted by B.H. Mayer's Kunstprageanstalt, Munich on behalf of CIT for the Central Bank of Mongolia: Set issue date: 10/2019:

Mongolia will be issuing the new Lunar Year Coin and Banknote which celebrates the "Year of the Rat" in 2020.

How does the Lunar or Chinese Zodiac work?

I consulted some of the books which have been kept in my personal library and got acquainted with some interesting facts about the Chinese Zodiac/Calendar:

The exact origins of the 12 animal signs is rather lost in the obscurity of time, but there is no doubt that they originated in China. In terms of Chinese astrological "history", the 12 animal's are of a rather recent introduction - for it seems that in the 2nd Century BC, Ssu Ma Chi'en (163-85 BC), who was the grand astrologer to Emperor Wu Ti, wrote the "Shi Chi" or "historical record" which was a complete history of the Chinese up to that time. In his book, there is no "Zodiac" or mention of the 12 animals.

Originally, the 12 year cycle that it takes the planet Jupiter to complete one orbit of the Sun was believed to have defined the earlier calendars. The Chinese still call this cycle "The Great Year" and each month corresponds to one of our own years.

By the 10th Century AD, however, after Buddhism had been established in China, Calendar Almanacs, such as those written by the Tibetan monks in exile in the "Caves of the Thousand Buddhas" monastery in the remote reaches of North-western China, depicting the 12 animals, came into existence.

The legend of the Conference of Animals called by the Buddha and naming of the 12 year cycle after 12 animals for the Chinese Calendar:

According to a legend, it was the Buddha (583-463 BC), who created the 12 Animal cycle. He is believed to have invited all the animals in the land to hold a conference together. The Buddha was not surprised, as in his wisdom, he knew that some animals were friendly towards others, while others were enemies/inimical.

To encourage attendance, he decided to name the years after the first twelve animals, in order of their arrival.

An invitation from the Buddha was hard to resist, and when they heard the news, all the animal set off at once, each determined to be the first to arrive.

Tiger, because of his energy and speed, at first took the lead, soon, though, he began to tire and the early lead that he had achieved over his next rival Ox, who may have been slow, but had great stamina, soon dissipated. Ox reached the Buddha ahead of Tiger and prepared to bow down low to receive his honour.

But, what the sturdy Ox did not know, was that clever Rat had sneaked a ride on his tail !! Just before Ox's nose touched the floor at the Buddha's feet, nimble and swift Rat ran up Ox's tail, along his back and jumped off his nose, thus winning the race to be the first to bow before the Buddha. So Rat (or "Tse" is its Chinese name), became the first animal in the Chinese Zodiac, followed by a rather resentful Ox ("Chou").

Tiger ("Yin"), Rabbit ("Mao"), Dragon ("Chen"), Snake ("Si"), Horse ("Wu"), Goat ("Wei"), Monkey ("Shen"), Rooster ("You"), Dog ("Xu") and Pig ("Hai") all followed, and in that order, paid homage to the Buddha and were each honoured with a year.

Interestingly, Dragon is the only mythical beast in the Chinese Circle of Zodiacal animals.

According to the Lunar of Chinese Zodiac, each year is assigned to the above-referred animals .

The Year of the Mouse is celebrated by the Mongols instead of the Year of the Rat, as per the Chinese Lunar Calendar:

On 05.02.2019, Mongolia celebrated the beginning of the Year of the Pig. Mongolians did not directly adopt their calendar from the Chinese, but rather from the Uyghur people, who modified it slightly. 

So when Mongolians think of this year's animal (2020), instead of the disease carrying Rat, they think of the Mongolian gerbil (Meriones unguiculatus). This animal's cute appearance makes it a popular pet.

Characteristics of the people born under the animal sign - The Rat - the charmer:

The first sign of the Chinese Zodiac signifies new beginnings. People born under this sign are charming, creative, assertive and survivors.

The formidable Rat person is intelligent, assertive and impatient.They do not mean to hurt others, but can often overlook other's feelings in the pursuit of their own desires, ambitions and goals. Overall, though, persons born under this sign are  nice people.

Persons born under this sign, are fun-loving, sociable, great talkers and gossips and are quite charming, so it is impossible to remain angry with them for a long time. They also cherish their friends, their associates and their families and sometimes get involved a little too deeply in other people's lives because they cannot easily shrug off strong emotional attachments.

They are innovative and imaginative people, and while they may not appear to be realistic contenders, they are the types who will succeed, no matter what the odds are against them.

These persons can lack patience and for them, every project must be finished as soon as possible in order to start the next.

Persons born under the sign of the Rat will seize every opportunity, often taking on more than they can handle at that time and work relentlessly.

While their own secrets are very closely guarded, they are experts at prizing out secrets from others and are not averse to using the confidential information to their own advantage.

They  are never easy-going about money. They can also be extravagant when spending on fine food and drink but do not like squandering money.

The Coin and Banknote issues:

Coin Invest Trust (CIT) began its popular series titled the Lunar Collection" - comprising two commemorative coins in silver and gold, as well as, one silver Banknote - for every year of the Chinese calendar.

In 10/2019, the next issue will be released, dedicated to the "Year of the Mouse" (Mongolia's equivalent to the Chinese "Year of the Rat".

Gold Coin:

The Reverse of the 1000 Togrog Gold Coin depicts a left-facing standing mouse, within an ornate peripheral border, filled with floral motifs. There are similar motifs on the mouse's flank and cheek. In the exergue is mentioned the year of issue "2020".

The Obverse of the 1000 Togrog Gold Coin depicts the Soyombo Emblem of Mongolia, within the Emblem of the Central Bank of Mongolia. Beneath the emblem is the denomination of the Coin "1000 Togrog" in Cyrillic characters. On the lower periphery is mentioned "MONGOLIA 0.5 g .9999 GOLD" in Latin characters.

The specifications of this Gold coin are:

Country of issue: Mongolia; Denomination: 1,000 Togrog; Metal Composition: .9999 Gold (Au); Weight: 0.5 grams; Diameter/Size: 11.0 mm; Coin Quality: Proof; Mintage: 5,000 pieces; Minted by: B.H. Mayer's Kunstprageanstalt , Munich on behalf of Coin Invest Trust for Mongolia; Year: 2020; Coin Release date: 10/2019.

Banknote:

The Back of the 100 Togrog Banknote depicts a mouse decorated with floral elements. In the background are guilloche patterns and floral elements. The inscription reads - "YEAR OF THE MOUSE" and the denomination"100" appears twice - once on the bottom left and then again on the top right.

The Front of the 100 Togrog Banknote shows the Emblem of the Central Bank of Mongolia and bears the inscription-"BANK OF MONGOLIA - It is certified that these minted/commemorative notes are legal tender of/The Bank of Mongolia (The Central Bank)./Ag .999. 5 g. 5000 pcs . 150 x 70 mm . 2020 and 100 TOGROG".

There will be an exceptional Silver Coin/piece - a silver mini-sculpture of a mouse - struck with Smartminting technology. The sculpture's little base allows the placement of the piece, wherever the Collector wants.

The Obverse of the 1000 Togrog Silver Coin which will be struck on a blank in the shape of a stylised mouse will show the Emblem of the Central Bank of Mongolia within a slightly incused circle.

Beneath the Emblem, this face bears the inscription/denomination of the coin "1000 Togrog" in Cyrillic characters. Further below  is the name of the issuing country, weight of the coin, and metallic composition - "MONGOLIA 1 OZ .999 SILVER" (in Latin characters).

In addition, the Coin depicts the features of a smiling mouse, while the flanks are adorned with floral elements.

The year "2020" is engraved on the base of the Coin.

The Reverse of the 1000 Togrog Silver coin  matches the Obverse but without any inscription or the Emblem.

The specifications of this Silver coin are:

Country of issue: Mongolia; Denomination: 1000 Togrog; Metal Composition: .999 Fineness Silver (Ag); Weight: One Oz or 31.1 grams; Coin Quality: Antique Finish; Diameter/Size: 22 mm x 32 mm; Mintage: 999 pieces; Minted by: B.H. Mayer's Kunstprageanstalt, Munich, for Coin Invest Trust (CIT) on behalf of Mongolia; Coin Release date: 10/2019.

Other links to interesting posts on Coins brought out by Coin Invest Trust on behalf of other countries:

1) Brexit : Britain's Exit from the EEC : Coins issued by the Cook islands in the denomination of $1, $5 and $ 20 in 2016 

2) 150th Anniversary of "The Great Tea Race - 1866": Commemorative Coins in the denomination of 10 and 2 Dollars issued by Cook Islands in 2016

3) The Mystical Ancient Egyptian Labyrinth depicted on $10 Silver coins issued by Cook islands in 2016, under its "Milestones of Mankind Series".

4) King Arthur: The first coin in the six coins "Camelot Series".

5) Quilling Art: Silver 2 Dollars coins issued - Flowers (2016) & Bird (2017) 

6) Queen Guinevere: The second coin in the six coin "Camelot Series". 

 7) Republic of Palau issues "Sand Dollars": Silver & Gold 1$ coins

8) Four Leaf Clover - Coin titled "Silver Fortune" - A 5 Dollars Silver coin issued by Coin Invest Trust in 2018

9) Totem Pole 2 Oz. or 10 Dollars Silver coin from the Republic of Palau being issued on 12.06.2018

10) The "Maneki Neko Cat" ot the "Fortune Cat" : A $1 Gold Coin issued by the Republic of Palau: Minted by B.H. Mayer's Kunstprageanstalt, Munich for Coin Invest Trust in 2018

11) Ammonite: First coin in the "Evolution of Life Coin series" brought out by Coin Invest Trust on behalf of the Republic of Mongolia in 2015

12) Trilobite: Second coin in the "Evolution of Life Coin Series" brought out by Coin Invest Trust on behalf of the Republic of Mongolia in 2016

13) Ichthyosaur, from the Mesozoic Era - "The Age of the Reptiles": Third Coin in the "Evolution of Life Coin Series" brought out by Coin Invest trust on behalf of the Republic of Mongolia in 2017

14) Velociraptor (meaning "Swift Seizer"), Mongolia (from the Cretaceous Period 75 to 71 million years ago - approx) - "Part I": "Prehistoric Beasts Series": A 2000 Togrog Silver Coin issued by the Coin Invest Trust, minted by BH Mayer's Kunstprageanstalt, Munich, in 2018

15) Protoceratops, Mongolia (from the Upper cretaceous Period 75 to 71 million years ago - approx.) - "Part II": "Prehistoric Beasts Series": A 2000 Togrog Silver Coin issued by Coin Invest trust, minted by B.H. Mayer's Kunstprageanstalt, Munich, in 2019

16) Year of the Rat, Mongolia (2020): Coin Invest Trust (CIT) is issuing a set of 1000 Togrog Gold & Silver Coins and a 100 Togrog Banknote to commemorate the coming Lunar Year: Coins will be minted bgy B.H. Mayer's Kunstprageanstalt, Munich on behalf of CIT for Central Bank of Mongolia: Coin issue date: 10/2019

For interesting posts on Mongolian Coins and Banknotes, please visit the following links:

1) Currency & Coinage of Mongolia: (Part I) Evolution of the Coinage of Mongolia & the spread of Buddhism)

2) Currency & Coinage of Mongolia: (Part II) Historical development of Mongolian (Togrog) Banknotes

3) Year of the Pig - 2019: A Gold Coin of 1,000 Togrog and a 100 Togrog Banknote from Mongolia: issued by Coin Invest Trust (issued in 2018) minted by B.H. Mayer's Kunstprageanstalt, Munich