2291) Little "I-am-Me", Republic of Austria: The Austrian Mint is celebrating Easter with a 5 Euro Silver & Copper Coins depicting one of the most famous children's books in the German speaking world: Date/Year of Coin issue: 16.03.2022):
LITTLE "I-AM-ME" EASTER COIN:
The Header/Banner shows the Reverse of the silver coin together with a collage of the multi-coloured animal
An Easter coin with a difference, this charming 2022 issue is a celebration of one of the most famous children's books in the German-speaking world.
Written half a century ago, "Little I-Am-Me" , published by Jungbrunnen Verlag in Vienna, is an enormously popular with children in Austria.
Now in 2022, its 47th edition of the original, published by Jungbrunnen, in relatively few words, the picture book tackles timeless philosophical questions about identity, belonging and self-worth that are still as pertinent today as when the uplifting story was originally published.
Wittily and playfully written in rhyme by Mira Lobe and beautifully illustrated by Susi Weigel in 1972, Little I-Am-Me begins: “In a bright and flowery meadow walks a coloured animal.”
It goes on to tell the heart-warming story of a small, multi-coloured animal made from scraps of fabric and wool with ears like a dachshund, a fringe like a pony and legs like a hippopotamus.
Looking like a lot of different creatures yet not really belonging anywhere, the cute little animal embarks on an odyssey to find out exactly what it is, meeting and quizzing different animals along the way.
Despite being mocked and jeered at, and even unsure that it actually exists, "Little I-Am-Me" never gives up and, after being reduced to tears, has an epiphany.
In saying “we are all unique and we can be whatever we want to be”, "Little I-Am-Me" is both inspirational for children and a charming memento of childhood for grown-ups. That’s why this this delightful coin is an ideal Easter gift for people of all ages.
To summarise - A small animal is walking in a colorful flower meadow. It feels related to many other animals, although it is not exactly the same as any it encounters. It is not a horse, not a cow, not a bird, not a hippopotamus - and slowly it begins to doubt itself. But then the little animal realizes: I am not just someone, I AM ME!
The Coin:
On the Reverse of the 5 Euro Silver and Copper Coins this face of the coin is decorated with a collage of characters in the style of Susi Weigel’s images from the book.
Little I-Am-Me is at the centre surrounded by some of the animals that it encounters on its fantastic journey of self-discovery.
The Obverse of the 5 Euro Silver and Copper Coins are inscribed on the periphery - "REPUBLIK OSTERREICH. EURO" (meaning "Republic of Austria")
The Coin is issued in two variants:
i) The specification of the Silver Coin are:
Country of issue: Republic of Austria; Date/Year: 16.03.2022; Coin Series Theme: "Easter Coin Series"; Coin Theme: "Little I-am-me" Children's book; Denomination/Face Value: 5 Euros; Metal Composition: .925 Fineness Silver (Ag); Weight: Fine Weight: 7.78 grams / 0.25 oz; Total Weight: 8.41 grams; Diameter/Size: 28.50 mm; Shape: 9-sided; Edge: Smooth; Coin Quality: Special Uncirculated (SU) and Proof (P); Mint: Mint of Austria; Mintage: Proof 50,000 pieces, Special Uncirculated: 200,000 pieces; Presentation Box/Case: Yes; Certificate of Authenticity (COA): Yes; Designer(s): Mag. Helmut Andexlinger, Anna Rastl; Packaging: Comes in a blister pack featuring information in German.
ii) The specification of the Silver Coin are:
Country of issue: Republic of Austria; Date/Year: 16.03.2022; Coin Series Theme: "Easter Coin Series"; Coin Theme: "Little I-am-me" Children's book; Denomination/Face Value: 5 Euros; Metal Composition: .999 Fineness Copper (Cu); Weight: 8.90 grams; Diameter/Size: 28.50 mm; Shape: 9-sided; Edge: Smooth; Coin Quality: Special Uncirculated (SU) and Proof (P); Mint: Mint of Austria; Mintage: Proof: 50,000 pieces, Special Uncirculated: 200,000 pieces; Designer: Mag. Helmut Andexlinger, Anna Rastl; Packaging: Comes without packaging.
A LITTLE "I-AM-ME" GIFT SET:
For enthusiasts of the famous children’s book, this gift set is a colourful mixture of all sorts of things –just like Little I-Am-Me itself.
The gift set includes:
- a blister pack containing the Silver 5 Euro Little "I-Am-Me" coin in Special Uncirculated Quality
- the Little "I-Am-Me" book (47th edition of the original, 2022, published by Jungbrunnen)
- one poster (printed on both sides)
- two colourful postcards
- two stickers
Packed with goodies, this superb set is both an inspiration for children and a charming memento of childhood for grown-ups.
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