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:
