3832) 5$ "Fukushima", - Human Tragedies, Gdansk Mint, Poland: Fourth Coin of the Series "Human Tragedies" which depicts disasters that have shaken humanity: Date/Year of Coin issue: 11.03.2011:
Fukushima – 2 oz Ag 999 is the fourth coin in the moving series “Human Tragedies”, following numismatic pieces commemorating Chernobyl, Hiroshima, and the Plague.
The unifying theme of the entire series is the portrayal of dramatic events from the perspective of those involved:
In the case of Chernobyl – the mask of a liquidator,
In the case of the Plague – the distinctive mask of a plague doctor,
In the case of Hiroshima – a pilot’s mask,
And on the Fukushima coin – the mask of a nuclear plant worker who participated in the efforts to contain the 2011 disaster.
The Fukushima Nuclear Catastrophe:
The Fukushima Nuclear Accident was a major nuclear accident at the Fukushima Daiichi Nuclear Power Plant in Ōkuma, Fukushima, Japan, which began on 11 March 2011.
The proximate cause of the accident was the 2011 Tōhoku earthquake and tsunami, which resulted in electrical grid failure and damaged nearly all of the power plant's backup energy sources.
The subsequent inability to sufficiently cool reactors after shutdown compromised containment and resulted in the release of radioactive contaminants into the surrounding environment.
The accident was rated seven (the maximum
severity) on the International Nuclear Event Scale by Nuclear and Industrial
Safety Agency, following a report by the JNES (Japan Nuclear Energy
Safety Organisation).
It is regarded as the worst nuclear incident
since the Chernobyl disaster in 1986, which was
also rated a seven on the International Nuclear
Event Scale.
According to the United Nations Scientific
Committee on the Effects of Atomic Radiation,
"no adverse health effects among Fukushima residents have been documented
that are directly attributable to radiation exposure from the Fukushima Daiichi
nuclear plant accident".
Insurance compensation was paid for one death from lung cancer, but this does not prove a causal relationship between radiation and the cancer.
Six other persons have been reported as having developed cancer or leukemia. Two workers were hospitalised because of radiation burns, and several other people sustained physical injuries as a consequence of the accident.
Criticisms have been made about the public perception of radiological hazards resulting from accidents and the implementation of evacuations (similar to the Chernobyl nuclear accident), as they were accused of causing more harm than they prevented.
Following the accident, at least
164,000 residents of the surrounding area were permanently or temporarily
displaced (either voluntarily or by evacuation order). The
displacements resulted in at least 51 deaths as well as stress and fear of
radiological hazards.
Investigations faulted lapses in safety and oversight,
namely failures in risk assessment and evacuation planning.
Controversy surrounds the disposal of treated wastewater once used to cool the
reactor, resulting in numerous protests in neighboring countries.
The expense of cleaning up the radioactive contamination and compensation for the victims of the Fukushima nuclear accident was estimated by Japan's trade ministry in November 2016 to be 20 trillion yen.
The Coin:
Fukushima 2 oz is a work of numismatic art that recalls the tragic events of March 11, 2011. The coin captures the drama of those days – the destruction reflected in the rescuer's helmet, the smoke rising from the power plant and the scene of fighting the fire.
UV printing and fluorescent printing highlight the drama of the scene even in the dark!
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The left side of the Obverse 5 $ (Five Dollars) Silver Coin features the official seal of Niue, with a crown and a central emblem containing the characteristic bird, along with the inscriptions: “Public Seal of Niue” and “Niue Tukulagi.”
Below, along the bottom edge, the year of issue, issuing country, and face value are visible: “2024 NIUE 5 DOLLARS.” Beside it is the metal fineness marking: “Ag 999.”
The right side of the obverse depicts a dramatic rescue operation scene during the Fukushima Daiichi nuclear disaster.
At the center of this part of the coin is an industrial complex, showing technical buildings, dome-shaped cooling towers, a network of pipes, and industrial installations.
In the foreground, three fireboats are clearly visible, directing powerful streams of water from their water cannons toward the power plant—symbolising the desperate attempts to cool the overheating reactors and bring the situation under control after the hydrogen explosions.
In the background, details of the industrial infrastructure—buildings, chimneys, and technical elements—are visible, with dark clouds of smoke rising above them, emphasising the drama of the scene.
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With a mintage limited to only 400 pieces, an ultra-high relief, and the use of UV printing and fluorescent printing, the coin stands not only as an exceptional collector's item but also as a symbol of remembrance for the tragic events at the Fukushima Daiichi Nuclear Power Plant.
Coin Series Theme: Human Tragedies; Coin Theme: Fukushima Nuclear Disaster; Denomination: 5 $ (Five Dollars); Country: Niue Island; Metal Composition: .999 Fineness Silver (Ag 999); Weight: 62.2 g or 2.00 oz; Size: Ø 45 mm; Coin Quality: Antique Finish (AF); Additions/Modifications: Fluorescent Printing, Numbered Edge; Mintage: 400 pcs; Date of issue: 11.03.2011; Accessories: Certificate of Authenticity (COA); Presentation Box: Yes.
Links to other posts on Ukrainian Coins/Banknotes on this Blog:
7) "Sovka roskoshnaja" ("Staurophora celsia") Moth, Ukraine: Sterling Silver Proof (10 Hryvnia) and Cupro-nickel (2 Hrvynia) coins issued under its "Native Flora and Fauna Coin Series" by the National Bank of Ukraine
8) 1075 years since Princess Olga (890-969 AD), Ukraine: A Silver Proof Coin brought out by the National Bank of Ukraine,minted by the Ukrainian Mint: Year of issue: 2020
Links on posts from Poland:
1) A 100 Rouble Banknote issued by Russia to commemorate the XXII Winter Olympics - (07-23 February 2014) held at Sochi, Russia
2) Commemorative Coins issued when the 1980 22nd Summer Olympics were held in Moscow (19.07.1980 to 03.08.1980)
3) 2018 "Federation Internationale de Football Association" (FIFA) World Cup being held in Russia between 14.06.2018 &15.07.2018: Some Coins and stamps issued by Russia, Australia, Hungary, Spain & France to commemorate the Tournament/Championship
4) "Ancient Postal Routes - the Kholmogory post road (Arkhangelsk - Vologda - Yaroclavi - Moscow), Russia: Europa 2020 theme: A stamp brought out by "Pochta Rossii"(Russian Post) featuring this important post road: Date of Stamp issue: 15.01.2020
Links to other Coins in the Cyborg Revolution Coin Series" issued in this Series:
Links to some more posts on the Chinese Lunar calendar/Zodiac signs on this Blog:
2) Some ancient coins depicting Greek mythology & history
13) Ancient Greek Theatres, Greece: Hellenic Post has brought out a set of five stamps featuring the Ancient Theatres of Dodona, Nocopolis, Kassope, Amvrakia and Gitana (all in Epirus): Stamp issue date: 08.04.2020
14) "MYRTIS", Greece: A 5 Euro Silver Coin dedicated to an 11 year old girl who was a victim of the PLague of Athens (430-426 BC) issued by the Bank of Greece: Coin issue date: 25.02.2020
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