1329) I) Europa Coin Programme" or the "European Star Programme" or the "Eurostar Programme" ii) Central Bank of Malta issues 50 Euro (Gold) and 10 Euro (Silver) Proof Coins featuring "Architecture and Artwork of the Gothic Era" in 05/2020 (which is a part of the wider programme focussing on the Ages of Europe: Date of Coins issue: 08.05.2020:
The "Europa Coin Programme":
The Europa Coin Programme is an initiative dedicated to issuing collector coins in precious metals which celebrate European identity.
Coins under this series are issued by the European Union's Eurozone Member States and the issuing authorities of the 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 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" (for Europe or the Euro Symbol) and a "Star" (often used to symbolise a member nation, for example, on the EU Flag).
The Eurostar logo
It is a requirement that the coins must show the Eurostar distinctly and visibly to the naked eye, but not be integral to the coin's design.
Other Standard features for coins issued under the Europa Programme:
a) The coins must be at least .900 Fine Silver or Gold and 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 themes over the past years for the Eurostar Programme coin issues are:
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 (through to 2020)
a) 2017 - The Age of Iron and Glass
b) 2018 - Baroque and Rococo
c) 2019 - Renaissance
d) 2020 - Gothic
The Central Bank of Malta has issued the undernoted Gold & Silver coins in the Annual Europa Star Coin Series in 2020:
The Central Bank of Malta is releasing on 08.05.2020, Gold and Silver Coins under the Europa Star Coin Series. This year, the Five ages of Europe series continues with the focus being on the Gothic Era. The period is divided into Early Gothic (1150-1250), High Gothic (1250-1375) and International Gothic (1375-1450) and spread to all Western Europe, as well as, much of Southern and Central Europe. Characteristically, Gothic is identified in terms of architecture as ornate and dramatic with intricately detailed stonework and stained glass, especially in cathedrals and churches.
The subject featured on Malta's Gold & Silver Proof Coins is the L'Isle Adam Graduals, a 10-volume set of beautifully illuminated graduals in large choir book format that include the complete liturgical cycle of sung masses. These were commissioned in 1533 by Philippe Villiers de L"Isle Adam (1464-1534), Grandmaster of the Knights Hospitaller of St. John, who was elected to this position in 1521.
The volumes were completed shortly before L'Isle Adam's death in 1534, following a disastrous fire in the Church of St. Lawrence in Birgu. After the consecration of the new co-cathedral in Valletta, the graduals were moved to this church, where they have remained ever since.
Their size and stunning decoration is very impressive, and they have been imbued with great artistry and liturgical history. The artwork is attributed to the followers of the French artist Jean Pichore (died 1521).
The Coins depict an illuminated letter "O" from the L'Isle Adam Graduals, which are housed in the museum of St. John's Co-Cathedral.
The subject featured on Malta's Gold & Silver Proof Coins is the L'Isle Adam Graduals, a 10-volume set of beautifully illuminated graduals in large choir book format that include the complete liturgical cycle of sung masses. These were commissioned in 1533 by Philippe Villiers de L"Isle Adam (1464-1534), Grandmaster of the Knights Hospitaller of St. John, who was elected to this position in 1521.
The volumes were completed shortly before L'Isle Adam's death in 1534, following a disastrous fire in the Church of St. Lawrence in Birgu. After the consecration of the new co-cathedral in Valletta, the graduals were moved to this church, where they have remained ever since.
Their size and stunning decoration is very impressive, and they have been imbued with great artistry and liturgical history. The artwork is attributed to the followers of the French artist Jean Pichore (died 1521).
The Coins depict an illuminated letter "O" from the L'Isle Adam Graduals, which are housed in the museum of St. John's Co-Cathedral.
The coins are issued under the Europa Programme under the theme "Gothic". and bear the Europa star logo.
Colour printing techniques have been used on the coins to reproduce the chromatic and aesthetic qualities of the original artwork.
The Reverse of the 50 Euro Proof Gold Coin.
The peripheral inscriptions are - "L'ISLE ADAM GRADUALS. 1553. 50 EURO".
The Obverse of the 50 Euro Proof Gold Coin bears the Coat of Arms of Malta and the Europa Star logo.
The inscriptions are - "GOTHIC" (on the upper periphery), "REPUBLIKE TA' MALTA" (meaning "Republic of Malta") on the centre ring, "2020" towards the right of the lower portion of the coin and the Eurostar logo at the bottom periphery.
The specifications of this Gold Coin are:
Denomination: 50 Euro; Theme: "Gothic Architecture & Art"; Metal Composition:0.916 Fineness Gold (Au); Coin Quality: Proof; Minted By: The Royal Dutch Mint; On Behalf of: The Central Bank of Malta; Weight: 6.50 grams; Diameter/Size: 21.0 mm; Minting Limit: 400 pieces; Year: 2020.
The Gold Coin is encapsulated and comes with a Certificate of Authenticity (COA).
The Reverse of the 10 Euro Silver Proof Coin is identical in design to the Gold Coin, shown above, except for the denomination.
The Obverse of the 10 Euro Silver Proof Coin is identical in design to the 50 Euro Gold Coin.
The specifications of the 10 Euro Silver Coin are:
Denomination: 10 Euro; Theme: "Gothic Architecture and Art"; Metal Composition: 0.925 Fineness Silver (Ag); Coin Quality: Proof; Minted by: The Royal Dutch Mint; On behalf of: The Central Bank of Malta; Weight: 28.28 grams; Diameter/Size: 38.61 mm; Minting Limit: 2,500 pieces; Year: 2020.
The 10 Euro Silver Proof Coin is encapsulated and comes with a Certificate of Authenticity(COA
About Fra' Phillipe de Villiers de L'Isle-Adam (1464-1534):
He was a prominent member of the Knights Hospitaller at Rhodes and later Malta.
In 1521, he was elected 44th Grand Master of the Order.
In 1522, he commanded the Order during Sultan Suleiman's long and bloody Siege of Rhodes, when 600 knights and 4,500 soldiers resisted an invading force of about 100,000 men for 6 months, but eventually negotiated the capitulation and departure of the knights on New Year's day (1523) to Crete.
He then led the Order during several years.
In 1530 he obtained the islands of Malta and Gozo and the North African port city of Tripoli as fief for the Order from Emperor Charles V and established the Order, henceforth known as the "Maltese Knights" in view of their new base. The Order arrived on the island on 26.10.1530 on their flagship the - "Santa Anna", making Malta their permanent home.
Lisle-Adam died at Our Lady of Jesus Convent (ta' Gieze) in Rabat, Malta on 21.08.1534 and was buried in the Chapel of Saint Anne within Fort Saint Angelo, but was reburied in the crypt of St. John's Co-Cathedral in Valetta in the late 16th Century.
He was a prominent member of the Knights Hospitaller at Rhodes and later Malta.
In 1521, he was elected 44th Grand Master of the Order.
In 1522, he commanded the Order during Sultan Suleiman's long and bloody Siege of Rhodes, when 600 knights and 4,500 soldiers resisted an invading force of about 100,000 men for 6 months, but eventually negotiated the capitulation and departure of the knights on New Year's day (1523) to Crete.
He then led the Order during several years.
In 1530 he obtained the islands of Malta and Gozo and the North African port city of Tripoli as fief for the Order from Emperor Charles V and established the Order, henceforth known as the "Maltese Knights" in view of their new base. The Order arrived on the island on 26.10.1530 on their flagship the - "Santa Anna", making Malta their permanent home.
Lisle-Adam died at Our Lady of Jesus Convent (ta' Gieze) in Rabat, Malta on 21.08.1534 and was buried in the Chapel of Saint Anne within Fort Saint Angelo, but was reburied in the crypt of St. John's Co-Cathedral in Valetta in the late 16th Century.
Links:
For posts on coins issued under the Eurostar Coin Programme, please visit the following links:
6) 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
7) i) "Europa Coin Programme" or the "European Star Programme" or the "Eurostar Programme" ii) Central Bank of Malta issues 50 Euro (Gold) and 10 Euro (Silver) Proof Coins featuring "Architecture and artwork of the Gothic Era" in 05/2020 (which is a part of the wider programme focussing on the ages of Europe: Date of Coins issue: 08.05.2020
For posts on Central Bank of Malta issues, please visit the following links:
8) Ta' Hagrat Temples, Malta: "Maltese Pre-historic Temples Coin Series" depicting UNESCO World Heritage List featured Megalithic Temple Complexes in Malta: Fourth Coin in the Series: Date of issue: 22.07.2019
9) "Suez Canal": Central Bank of Malta issues a 150th Anniversary Silver commemorative Coin of 10 Euros (1869-2019), minted by the Royal Dutch Mint: Coin issue date: 18.11.2019
Girish Kumar Bhumri has commented:
ReplyDelete"Atleast we can have a glimpse. Thanks to your commitment by updating on your blog."
Thank you, GK. Always look forward to your comments.
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