1578) Sri Guru Nanak Dev Ji 550th Parkash Guru Purab: 1) A Presentation Combo Set of Stamps (Miniature Sheet depicting five select Gurudwaras) issued by India Post and a Rs.550/- (Commemorative Quaternary Silver Coin) issued by the IGM Kolkata, SPMCIL 2) A Booklet issued by the Ministry of Culture, Government of India: Year of Combo set issue: 2019:

1578) Sri Guru Nanak Dev Ji 550th Parkash Guru Purab: 1) A Presentation Combo Set of Stamps (Miniature Sheet depicting five select Gurudwaras) issued by India Post and a Rs.550/- (Commemorative Quaternary Silver Coin) issued by the IGM Kolkata, SPMCIL 2) A Booklet issued by the Ministry of Culture, Government of India: Year of Combo set issue: 2019:

Some important Links:

1) Guru Nanak Dev Ji 550th Parkash Guru Purab: 1) A set of five postage stamps brought out by India Post depicting five select Gurudwaras - Nanak Lama Sahib, Chungthang, Darbar Sahib, Dera Baba Nanak, Gurdaspur, Janamasthan Nankana Sahib, Ber Sahib, Sultanpur Lodhi and Nanak Jhira Sahib, Bidar: Stamp Set issue date: 09.11.2019

2) Ter-Centenary of the martyrdom of Baba Banda Singh Bahadur (1716-2016): A Special Postal Cover issued by the Delhi Postal Corcle, Department of Posts, India: Date of Cover issue: 20.06.2016

3) Commemorating the Ter-Centenary of Gur-Ta-Gaddi of Sri Guru Granth Sahib: Commemorative Coins issued bt the India Government Mints in 2008 in the denominations of Rs.100/- and Rs.10/- Also contains a brief on all the Gurus-

4) 550th Parkash Purab of Sri Guru Nanak Dev Ji:A Quaternary Silver Coin of Rs.550/- (Rupees Five Hundred Fifty) commemorating the occasion, minted by the India Government Mint, Kolkata: Year of Coin issue: 2019

5) Sri Guru Nanak Dev Ji 550th Parkash Guru Purab: 1) A Presentation Combo Set of Stamps (Miniature Sheet depicting five select Gurudwaras) issued by India Post and a Rs.550/- (Commemorative Quaternary Silver Coin) issued by the IGM Kolkata, SPMCIL 2) A Booklet issued by the Ministry of Culture, Government of India: Year of Combo Set issue: 2019

I have last week received a Combo Presentation Set of Stamps (Miniature Sheet of five select Gurudwaras & a First Day Cover) and a Rs.550/- (Quaternary Silver Coin) issued by India Post and SPMCIL respectively on Guru Nanak Dev Ji.

Also included is a Booklet compiled on Guru Nanak Dev Ji by the Ministry of Culture, Government of India:

1) The Combo Presentation Pack of Stamps and Coin:

The Front of the Presentation Album is titled "GURU NANAK DEV JI),  550th Parkash Guru Purab" (in both(in both Hindi and English). Also mentioned on the cover is "INDIAPOSTAGE STAMPS COIN & BOOKLET".

The Cover also exhibits the emblems/logos of SPMCIL (at left), Government of India (in the centre) and India Post (at right).

The Back of the Presentation Album carries the essence of his message - " Kirat Karo, Naan Japo, Vand Chhako" and the particulars logo of the National Philatelic Museum.

Also included is the logo of the 150th Years of Celebrating the Mahatma.

The  inner page 1 of the Coin Album contains a Miniature Sheet (MS) of five select Gurudwaras presented by India Post. For more details on these Gurudwaras, please visit the following link:

1) Guru Nanak Dev Ji 550th Parkash Guru Purab: 1) A set of five postage stamps brought out by India Post depicting five select Gurudwaras - Nanak Lama Sahib, Chungthang, Darbar Sahib, Dera Baba Nanak, Gurdaspur, Janamasthan Nankana Sahib, Ber Sahib, Sultanpur Lodhi and Nanak Jhira Sahib, Bidar: Stamp Set issue date: 09.11.2019

Page 2 of the Combo Presentation album carries the Reverse of the Rs.550/- Quaternary Silver Coin which also gives the specifications of this coin:

Denomination: Rs.550/- ; Metal Composition: Quaternary Alloy; Weight: 35.0 grams; Diameter/Size: 44.0 mm; Shape: Circular; No. of Serrations: 200.

Page 3 of the Combo Presentation Album shows the Obverse of the Rs.550/- Coin, which is the first such denomination issued by an India Government Mint/Government of India.

For more details on this coin, please visit the following link:

550th Parkash Purab of Sri Guru Nanak Dev Ji: A Quaternary Silver Coin of Rs.550/- (Rupees Five Hundred Fifty) commemorating the occasion, minted by the India Government Mint, Kolkata: Year of Coin issue: 2019

Page 4 of the Coin Album contains a First Day Cover (FDC) with the five stamps issued in the set depicting select Gurudwaras affixed at top right.

The FDC has been cancelled with a Special Cancellation Handstamp dated - "09.11.2020".

2. The Booklet issued by the Ministry of Culture, Government of India:

This Booklet compiled by the Ministry of Culture, Government of India bears a description of his Life and Teachings, Travels, Writings (Sacred Bani), Sacred Places and a timeline of Guru Nanak Dev ji's life.

1577) I) "Europa Coin Programme" or the "European Star Programme" or the "Eurostar Programme" II) Imprensa Nacional - Casa Da Moeda, Portugal has issued its final Gold, Silver and Copper-Nickel (5 Euro) Coins focussing on the Gothic Era (which is a part of the wider programme focussing on the "Ages of Europe": Year of Coin issue: 11/2020:

1577) I) "Europa Coin Programme" or the "European Star Programme" or the "Eurostar Programme" II) "Imprensa Nacional - Casa Da Moeda," Portugal  has issued its final Gold, Silver and Copper-Nickel (5 Euro) Coins focussing on the Gothic Era (which is a part of the wider programme focussing on the "Ages of Europe": Year of Coin issue: 11/2020:

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 a 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

This year, the Five Ages of Europe Series concludes 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. Gothic is a style that had a particular influence on European Architecture between the 12th and 14th Centuries, featuring Vaults and Ogive arches, as well as, stained glass windows.

All these elements are in relief on the instant Portuguese Coin.

The Imprensa Nacional - Casa Da Moeda, Portugal (National Printing House and Mint) has minted the last coins in the "Ages of Europe" Coin theme/Programme in 2020, Gold and Silver Coins under the Europa Star Coin Series. 

The Coin is dedicated to Gothic Art. This coin is rather innovative. All the coloured parts are polymer sheets, which is the same texture as Credit Cards, which Imprensa Nacional - Casa da Moeda also makes. The precise/correct  insert of polymer parts in a metallic ring  on this coin required careful and precise work. 

The Obverse of the 5 Euro Coin shows a stylised Gothic portal, surrounded by the12 Stars of the European Union (EU).

Also seen on this coin are the Coat of Arms of Portugal (at centre right) and the Eurostar  Coin Programme logo (at top centre).

The Reverse of the 5 Euro Coin depicts a Portal, Vaults and Ogive Arches typical of Gothic Architecture.

The inscriptions on the upper periphery are- "PORTUGAL. 2020. GOTICO. 5 EURO".

The Coin has been issued in three variants - Gold, Silver and Base Metal (Cupro-Nickel):

The Silver Variant:

Europa Coin Series: "Ages of Europe"; Coin Theme: "The Gothic"; Country of issue: Portugal; Coin Denomination: 5 Euro; Year of issue: 2020; Metal Composition: .999 Fineness Silver (Ag); Diameter/Size: 30.0 mm; Weight: 14.0 grams; Shape: Round; Edge: Reeded; Coin Quality: Brilliant Uncirculated (BU); Mint: Casa da Moeda; Mintage: 2,500 pieces; Designer: Eduardo Aires.

The Gold Variant:

Europa Coin Series: "Ages of Europe"; Coin Theme: "The Gothic"; Country of issue: Portugal; Coin Denomination: 5 Euro; Year of issue: 2020; Metal Composition: .9999 Fineness Gold (Au); Diameter/Size: 30.0 mm; Weight: 15.5 grams; Shape: Round; Edge: Reeded; Coin Quality: Proof; Mint: Casa da Moeda; Mintage: 2,000 pieces; Designer: Eduardo Aires.

The Base Metal Variant:

Europa Coin Series: "Ages of Europe"; Coin Theme: "The Gothic"; Country of issue: Portugal; Coin Denomination: 5 Euro; Year of issue: 2020; Metal Composition: Cupro-nickel (Cu.750/Ni.250); Diameter/Size: 30.0 mm; Weight: 14.0 grams; Shape: Round; Edge: Reeded; Coin Quality: Brilliant Uncirculated (BU); Mint: Casa da Moeda; Mintage: 20,000 pieces; Designer: Eduardo Aires.

Links:

For posts on coins issued under the Eurostar Coin Programme, please visit the following links:

1) Europa Coin Programme: A series of six coins issued by the Monnaie de Paris (Paris Mint) with the theme "The Age of Iron & Glass" in January 2017

2) The Golden Age of Finnish Art: A 10 Euro Silver Coin issued by the Mint of Finland with the theme "The Age of Iron And Glass" on 20.02.2017

3) Baptism of Christ: 50 Euro Gold and 10 Euro Silver Coins issued by the Central Bank of Malta on the theme "Baroque and Rococo Art" on 14.03.2018

4) The "Baroque & Rococo Era" in France : Coins feature, The Hall of Mirrors, Rococo elements of the Palace of Versailles, philosopher Voltaire and the Dancing King Louis XIV in gold & silver coins issued during 2018, under the "Europa Coin Programme"

5) Suomenlinna Fortress & its Architect Augustin Ehrensvard: The "Baroque and Rococo Periods" of Europe: 10 Euro Silver coin issued on 18.05.2018 

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

8) Baptism of Christ: "Europa Coin Programme": Baroque & Rococo periods: Guiseppe Mazzuli's famed statue depicted on Central Bank of Malta Gold and Silver coins issued on 14.03.2018

9) Malta: Renaissance Era Ship design depicting the Order of St. John's "Gran Carracca Sant' Anna" features of the latest Europa Silver Star Programme issue from the Central Bank of Malta: Coin issue date: 15.03.2019

10) 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

11) I) "Europa Coin Programme" or the "European Star Programme" or the Eurostar Programme" II) The Fabrica Nacoinal Moneda y Timbre - Real Casa de Moneda have issued their fifth and final Gold (200 Euros) and Silver (10 Euros) Proof Coins focussing on the Gothic Era (which is a part of the wider programme focussing on the "Ages of Europe": Year of Coin issue: 09/2020

12) "Europa Coin Programme" or the "european Star Programme" or the "Eurostar Programme" ii) Imprensa Nacional - Casa Da Moeda, Portugal has issued the final Gold, Silver and Copper-Nickel (5 Euro) Coins focussing on the Gothic Era (which is part of the wider programme focussing on the "Ages of Europe": Year of Coin issue: 11/2020

Interesting links to posts on Portugal and Spanish Coins and postage stamps on this blog:

 1) Miguel de Cervantes Saavedra: the creator of Don Quixote: Commemorating the 400th Anniversary of his death by issue of two coins in the denomination of 200 Euros (Gold) and 10 Euros (Silver) by the Royal Spanish Mint - Real Casa de la Moneda in 2016

 2) Comprehensive history of the Dollar illustrated on a Kilo coin minted by Fabrica Nacional de Moneda y Timbre (FNMT) in association with the Real Casa de la Moneda on 29.05.2017 

3) Treasures of the Spanish Museums: Fifth Part of the Series: Paintings from the Thyssen-Bornemisza Museum depicted on coins released on 07.06.2017

4) 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 & Stamp Factory - The Royal Spanish Mint)

5) History of Navigation (or "Historia de la Navigacion"): 2nd issue: A set of four coins brought out by the Fabrica Nacional de Moneda y Timbre Real Casa de la Moneda" (FNMT-RCM):: 02/2019

6) Spanish Renaissance: 200 Euro (4 Escudo) Gold and Silver 10 Euro (8 Reales) Collector Coins: "Europa Coin Programme" or the "Eurostar Coin Programme" depicted on Gold and Silver Coins issued by the Fabrica Nacional de Moneda y Timbre - Casa Real de la Moneda: Issue date: 27.05.2019

7) 500th Anniversary of the "First Circum-navigational Voyage" by Magalhaes - El Cano (Magellan - El Cano) Expedition: Portugal-Spain Joint Philatelic Issue: Stamp issue date: 12.09.2019

8) "The Firebird", Principality of Andorra (Principat d' Andorra), Spain: A 0.70 Euro postage Stamp dedicated to the Russian community in Andorra: Stamp issue date: 30.10.2019

9) "Nacional Museo del Prado", Spain: Celebrating the Bicentenary milestone (1819-2019): Commemorative Silver Coins of 30 Euros issued by Fabrica Nacional de Moneda y Timbre - Casa Real de la Moneda on 20.11.2019: Coins minted by the Madrid Mint

10) Machu Picchu: "Wonders of the Modern World". A 1.35 Euro Stamp brought out by Correos Post, (Spanish Post) on 15.09.2017

11) Petra, Jordan: "Wonders of the Modern World Stamp Series" begun in 2015: A Stamp issued by Correos Post (Spanish Post) of the tariff value of "C" Class: Stamp issue date: 14.01.2020

12) The New Silk Road: A Joint issue of a two stamp set of 1.50 Euros each by Spain (Correos Post) and China: Stamps issue date: 01.07.2019

13) Charming Towns, Spain : For the past five years, Correos (Spanish Post) has issued Stamps and Postcards on four beautiful Spanish villages as old-fashioned accordion-style postcards: Date of PostCards/Stamp set issue: 30.03.2020

14) "International LGBTQ Pride Day", Spain: The LGBTQ Pride Day Flag (Rainbow Flag) depicted on the first ever stamp issued: Date of Stamp issued: 15.06.2020

15) "Card Games", Spain: Correos Espana (Spanish Post) has issued a Stamp Sheet of 3.80 Euros representing the four suits (Swords, Pentacles, Cups & Wands) in a Tarot Deck, as the Origins of Card Games: Date of Stamp Sheet issue: 02.07.2020

16) I) "Europa Coin Programme" or the "European Star Programme" or the Eurostar Programme" II) The Fabrica Nacoinal Moneda y Timbre - Real Casa de Moneda have issued their fifth and final Gold (200 Euros) and Silver (10 Euros) Proof Coins focussing on the Gothic Era (which is a part of the wider programme focussing on the "Ages of Europe": Year of Coin issue: 09/2020

17) Classical Music Genres, Spain: Correos (Spanish Post) has brought out this Stamp of 4.00 Euros, dedicated to Classical Music: Date of Stamp issue: 18.11.2020

For more interesting posts on Coins and stamps of Portugal, please visit the following links:

1) India-Portugal: Joint Stamp issue: A set of two Commemorative Stamps in the denominations of 2500 Paise or Rs.25/- and 500 Paise or Rs.5/- brought out by India Post on 07.01.2017

2) Did you Know Series (15): A visit to Fort St. George Museum, Chennai (Part III): i) Indo-Danish Coins ii) Indo-Dutch Coins iii) Indo-French Coins iv) Indo-Portuguese Coins

3) "Four Leaf Clover": Endangered Flora Species: A Silver Proof 5 Euro Coin and a Brilliant Uncirculated Cupro-Nickel Coin issued by the Impresa Nacional Casa de Moneda (INCA) in September 2018

4) 500th Anniversary of the "First Circum-navigational Voyage" by Magalhaes - El Cano (Magellan - El Cano) Expedition: Portugal-Spain Joint Philatelic Issue: Stamp issue date: 12.09.2019

5) "The Joker", Portugal: Portugal Post has issued a set of four stamps featuring "The Joker"character of DC Comics, who is an archenemy of the "Batman": Date of Stamp issue: 31.03.2020

6) Portuguese Numismatics (1st Group): A set of four Stamps in the values of N20g, A20g, E20g and 120g issued by CTT Correios (Portuguese Post) in partnership with INCM ("Imprensa Nacional-Casa da Moeda (the "Portuguese Mint & Official Printing Office") depicting coins from various periods of history: Date od Stamp set issue: 22.04.2020

_{^{7) Ancient Postal Routes, Portugal: EUROPA 2020 Theme: CTT or CORREIOS de Portugal" (Portuguese Post) has brought out three Postage stamps of the values of 0.86 Euro each on the theme: Stamp set issue date: 25.05.2020}}

_{^{8) Ancient Postal Routes, Azores (An Autonomous Region of Portugal): EUROPA 2020 Theme: Two Stamps of 0.86 Euro each issued by Correios, (Portugal Post) on behalf of Azores: Date of Stamps issue: 25.05.2020}}

_{^{9) Ancient Postal Routes, Madeira (An Autonomous Region of Portugal): EUROPA 2020 Theme: Two Stamps of 0.86 each issued by CTT or "CORREIOS de Portugal" (Portuguese Post) on behalf of Madeira: Date of Stamps issue: 25.05.2020}}