France 2010 Year Tiger Chinese Lunar French 5 Euro Crown-Size Silver in FULL OGP

Description

In Stock and Ready for Immediate Shipment!
SOLD OUT at the French Mint!
Celebrate the most auspicious Year of the Tiger with this hard-to-find, crown-sized Euro coin, minted in precious silver!
Centuries ago, the Chinese invented a calendar based on the lunar (rather than the solar) cycle. There are twelve animals in the Chinese lunar zodiac, each corresponding in sequence to a year rather than a month. Because of their low mintage and intricate and elaborate designs, the coins in the
Chinese Lunar Zodiac program
minted by
Monnaie de Paris
are sought after and, in most cases, very hard to find!
The Year of the Tiger
Centuries ago, the Chinese invented a calendar based on the lunar (rather than the solar) cycle. There are twelve animals in the Chinese lunar zodiac, each corresponding in sequence to a year rather than a month.
In 2010 we celebrate the
Year of the Tiger
. According to tradition, people born during a Year of the Tiger (1914, 1926, 1938, 1950, 1962, 1974, 1986, 1998, and 2010) are said to exhibit that animal’s attributes. They are charismatic and fearsome, generous but unpredictable. They are often noted for their enthusiasm in life, and are unafraid of exploring new territory. They can also be aggressive, especially when they perceive a threat or are cornered.
This is the fifth crown-sized coin in the
French Lunar Zodiac series
. Because of its popularity and low mintage, the 2010 Year of the Tiger silver proof-like 5 Euro sold out quickly at the mint.
Obverse
The powerful and auspicious tiger turns toward you and prowls, perhaps stalking its prey. It is surrounded by an intricately-engraved oriental border design. The legends in French and Chinese translate as "Year of the Tiger - 2010".
Reverse
The reverse features a portrait of Jean de la Fontaine, the French poet famous for writing a collection of fables, known today as
Fables de la Fontaine
. Many of his stories, borrowed from the Greek poet Aesop's, involve animals that act like people. Each short tale is designed to teach a lesson or as a comment on human behavior. All twelve animals of the Chinese lunar calendar are also depicted (all can be found in his fables), along with the year of issue and the denomination.
Packaging
Each coin is encapsulated and presented in the traditional, blue Monnaie de Paris gift box. An individually numbered certificate of authenticity is included.
Specifications
Country
France
Year of Issue
2010
Face Value
5 Euro
Weight
22.2 g
Diameter
37.00 mm
Mintage Limit
10,000
Finish
Proof-Like
Composition
.900 Fine Silver
Edge
Plain
Certificate
Individually Numbered
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