1350) Himeji Castle (Japan), Kingdom of Cambodia: First Coin in the "Landmarks of Asia Coin Series": A 5,000 Riel Silver Proof Coin minted by The Singapore Mint on behalf of the Republic of Cambodia: Coin issue Year: 03/2020:
As the World's largest continent, Asia is truly home to many of the planet's breathtaking sites.
The National Bank of Cambodia is bringing out a 10-coin series titled - "Landmarks of Asia Coin Series".
The first coin in the Series depicts the Himeji Castle in Japan.
About Himeji Castle:
Himeji Castle is a hill-top Japanese castle complex situated in the city of Himeji, located in the Hyogo Prefecture of Japan.
The castle is regarded as the finest surviving example of prototypical Japanese castle architecture, comprising a network of 83 buildings with advanced defensive systems from the feudal period.
The castle is also known as "Hakuro-jo or Shirasagi-jo" ("White Egret Castle" or "White Heron Castle") because of its brilliant white exterior and supposed resemblance to a bird taking flight.
Himeji Castle dates back to 1333 AD, when Akamatsu Norimura built a fort on top of Himeyama hill.
In 1346, the fort was dismantled and rebuilt as Himeyama Castle.
In 1581, two centuries later, it was significantly remodelled by Toyotomi Hideyoshi, who added a three-storey castle keep.
In 1600, Tokugawa Ieyasu awarded the Castle to Ikeda Terumasa for his help in the Battle of Sekigahara.
From 1601 to 1609, Ikeda Terumasa completely rebuilt the Castle, expanding it into a large castle complex.
From 1617 to 1618, several buildings were added to the castle complex by Honda Tadamasa.
For almost 700 years, Himeji Castle has remained intact, even throughout the bombing of Himeji in World War II and natural disasters including the 1995 Great Hanshin earthquake.
In 1993, Himeji Castle was registered as one of the first UNESCO World Heritage Sites in Japan. The area within the middle moat of the Castle complex is a designated Special Historic Site and five structures of the Castle are also designated as National Treasures.
Along with Matsumoto Castle and Kumamoto Castle, Himeji Castle is considered to be one of Japan's three premier castles and one of the country's twelve original castles.
To preserve the Himeji Castle buildings, the castle underwent restoration work for several years, restoring the formerly grey roof to its original brilliant white colour and was reopened to the public in 03/2015.
Himeji Castle is the largest and most visited castle in Japan.
Adds the UNESCO publication/Book titled - "Treasures of the World" in my personal library on "Himeji-jo":
"Himeji-jo is the finest surviving example of early seventeenth-century Japanese castle architecture, comprising eighty-three buildings with highly developed systems of defence and ingenious protection devices dating from the beginning of the Shogun period.
It is a masterpiece of construction in wood. The centre of the complexes the "Tenshu-gun", consisting of a main keep and three subsidiary keeps, with connecting structures. This is surrounded by a system of watchtowers, gates and plastered earthen walls.
Set on a low hill, it is visible from every part of the city. The main keep "Dai-Tenshu" has six interior storeys and a basement. The striking appearance of this great wooden structure with its white plastered walls is the source of the name by which it is often known, the "Castle of the White Heron (Shirasagi-jo)".
Many castles were built in Japan in the early years of the Shogun period. Most of these have subsequently been demolished and others were destroyed during the Second World War. Of the handful that survive, Himeji-jo is the most complete and unaltered, largely thanks to the efforts of army officers after the Meiji Restoration."
Adds the UNESCO publication/Book titled - "Treasures of the World" in my personal library on "Himeji-jo":
"Himeji-jo is the finest surviving example of early seventeenth-century Japanese castle architecture, comprising eighty-three buildings with highly developed systems of defence and ingenious protection devices dating from the beginning of the Shogun period.
It is a masterpiece of construction in wood. The centre of the complexes the "Tenshu-gun", consisting of a main keep and three subsidiary keeps, with connecting structures. This is surrounded by a system of watchtowers, gates and plastered earthen walls.
Set on a low hill, it is visible from every part of the city. The main keep "Dai-Tenshu" has six interior storeys and a basement. The striking appearance of this great wooden structure with its white plastered walls is the source of the name by which it is often known, the "Castle of the White Heron (Shirasagi-jo)".
Many castles were built in Japan in the early years of the Shogun period. Most of these have subsequently been demolished and others were destroyed during the Second World War. Of the handful that survive, Himeji-jo is the most complete and unaltered, largely thanks to the efforts of army officers after the Meiji Restoration."
The Coin:
The Banner/Header showcasing the Obverse and Reverse of the 5,000 Riels Silver, Proof Coin
The Reverse of the 5,000 Riel Silver Proof Coin depictes the Himeji Castle.
The inscriptions towards the lower periphery are - "Himeji Castle, JAPAN, LANDMARKS OF ASIA".
Angular views of the 5,000 Riel Silver Proof Coin presents a perspective of up to 23.0 mm high relief. The background motif of the coin is inspired by the castle's elegant white appearance with black-tiled roof.
The specifications of this Silver Proof Coin are:
Country of issue: Republic of Cambodia; Coin Series Theme: "Landmarks of Asia Coin Series"; Metal Composition: .999 Fineness Silver (Ag); Weight: 62.2 grams; Diameter/Size: 41.0 mm; Coin Quality: Proof; Minted by: The Singapore Mint; On behalf of: The Republic of Cambodia; Mintage:2,000 pieces; Year: 2020.
The elegant box in which the Silver Proof Coin is presented.
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