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Wednesday, 11 November 2020

1545) The "Stately Peacock": "Treasures of Indian Wildlife Collection Series," St. Helena: Second Coin in the Gold and Silver "CASH" Coin Series, minted by the East India Company Bullion Ltd., issued on 23.09.2020:

1545)   The "Stately Peacock": "Treasures of Indian Wildlife Collection Series," St. Helena: Second Coin in the Gold and Silver "CASH" Coin Series, minted by the East India Company Bullion Ltd., issued on 23.09.2020:

The East India Company Bullion Ltd. and the Treasury of St. Helena have issued on 23.09.2020, Gold and Silver One Ounce Proof Quality Cash Coins featuring the stately Peacock.

The Header/Banner showcases the magnificent Peacock together with the Reverses of the 100 Pound Gold and 1 Pound Silver Coins. In the centre is the Easst India Company Bullion Ltd's. mint mark - the bale mark of the East India Company, topped with the numeral 4, with the top  quadrant left blank, while the other three contain the letters "EIC" (one letter each in individual quadrants)

This coin celebrates India's National Bird and draws awareness to conserving and protecting the Peacock.

Respected in religious scriptures and protected by the Indian Parliamentary Acts, the Peacock is considered sacred in India and occupies a special position in the country's culture.

This majestic bird is a symbol of prosperity, compassion, soul and peace. It conveys good luck and eternal love. Its feathers represent "a thousand eyes" and are believed to bring harmony, serenity, peace of mind and good fortune.

This beautiful bird has a special place in the stories and historical folklore of many different countries and peoples.

According to Greek mythology, for instance, the peacock was Hera's sacred bird, whose tail contained the "One hundred eyes of Argus". Argus was a servant of Hera and had very watchful one hundred eyes, which saw everything. Argus was slain by Hermes, the messenger of the gods, while he slept. Hera arranged for placing Argus's eyes on the tail of a peacock, so that Argus could maintain his eternal watch.

In Hindu culture, the Peacock isassociated with the goddess Lakshmi and symbolises patience, kindness, compassion and good luck.

Of particular rarity and symbolism is the white Peacock. It is breathtakingly beautiful and is believed to represent renewal and immortality.

The "CASH" Denomination:

The "CASH" denomination shown on this coin is one of historical significance. "CASH" coins were currency units used during the time of the British Raj in India. The origin of the word "CASH" is believed to have been derived from the Sanskrit word "Karsa", which was equal to the weight of Silver or Gold equal to 1/400 of a "tola".

The Commemorative Coin:

The Reverse of the One Ounce Gold or Silver "CASH" Coins feature the stunning beauty and mystique of India's National Bird featured on many religious buildings and artefacts.

Displayed on a patterned background, the peacock is seen in repose, the feathers of its tail cascading down in a beautiful pattern of natural shimming iridescent colours.

The peripheral inscriptions are - "ONE OUNCE, CASH .9999 (GOLD) or .999 (SILVER).

The East India Company's distinctive mint mark "EIC" (placed in three sections) is placed at the lower left periphery.

The Obverse of the One Ounce Gold or Silver CASH Coins feature an effigy of Queen Elizabeth II facing right, against a patterned background.

The peripheral inscriptions (clockwise) are - 'ELIZABETH II. D,G. REG. F.D. ST. HELENA. ONE POUND (Silver) and 100 POUNDS (Gold)".

The specifications of the Gold Coin Variant are:

Denomination: One Hundred Pound; Metal Composition: .9999 Fine Gold (Au) or .999 Fine Silver (Ag); Mintage: 100 pieces (Gold) &  3,000 pieces (Silver); Weight: 1 Oz or 31.107 grams; Diameter/Size: 38.6 mm; Coin Quality: Brilliant Uncirculated (BU); Coin issued by: Treasury of St. Helena; Minted By: East India Company Bullion Ltd., on behalf of St. Helena; Year of issue: 2020; Designer: Veronica Mackinnon.

The Reverse of the 100 Pounds Gold Coin displays the stately Peacock design.

The Obverse of the 100 Pounds Gold Coin

The encapsulated 100 Pounds Gold Coin

The Presentation Case in which the Bullion Coins are housed.

The Presentation Case - open lid.

The Certificate of Authenticity (COA).

The specifications of the Silver Coin are:

Denomination: One Pound; Metal Composition: .999 Fine Silver (Ag); Mintage: 3,000 pieces; Weight: 1 Oz or 31.107 grams; Diameter/Size: 38.6 mm; Coin Quality: Brilliant Uncirculated (BU); Coin issued by: Treasury of St. Helena; Minted By: East India Company Bullion Ltd., on behalf of St. Helena; Year of issue: 2020; Designer: Veronica Mackinnon.

Remarks: Individual Silver coins come in protective capsules. Orders in 18 coin increments come in Mint tubes. Orders of 450 coins come in wooden boxes with 25 tubes per box. 

Individual Silver coins can also be placed in Presentation Boxes.



The Reverse of the One Pound Silver Coin displays the image of the stately peacock.

The Obverse of the One Pound Silver Coin.

A Mint Tube.




4 comments:

  1. Santosh Khanna has commented:
    "GOOD INFORMATION"

    ReplyDelete
  2. Vikram Bhatnagar has commented:
    "Never knew all this about the significance of this great Royal Bird Peacock! 👍"

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Now that the East India Company is owned by an Indian, the mighty trading company is now reduced to 15 branches in London and The Netherlands selling fine tea and crockery and revisiting the history of the British Empire through coins with local themes. These coins are very popular.

      Delete