AQ552 - Niue 2009 $5 Elblag Amber Route Gold Proof
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An exceptional release from the Polish Mint - thought by many to be Europe's most technologically advanced issuing authority - these superbly designed legal tender gold coins are embedded with a genuine piece of beautiful, sought after amber.
A transparent semiprecious 'stone' produced from the resin of ancient conifers, amber was crucial to the creation of these trade routes. Used for thousands of years for decorative and jewellery applications amber was highly prized by many societies, including the Phoenicians, Greeks, Etruscans and especially the Romans.
Indeed, Baltic amber changed the course of Roman history, with Rome's willingness to travel into barbarian strongholds in search of the precious material opening up northern trade routes that previously had not been exploited. This third issue honours one of those cities, Elblag. Originally known as the seaport Truso, first mentioned in the year 890 but burnt down sometime in the 10th century, Elblag was built during the 13th century with the erection of the town citadel by the Teutonic Knights during the Prussian crusade.
The reverse image is a composite design featuring the medieval Roman Catholic cathedral of St. Nicholas, together with a dual portrait Roman coin and a Roman wine cup, set around the 100mm embedded half sphere of genuine natural amber. Around the top of the coin is the inscription "ELBLAG - SZLAK BURSZTYNOWY" (Elblag - Amber Route). The Obverse has an effigy of Queen Elizabeth, alongside a replica of a horse and cart used to transport amber along the trade route. In the background is a map of the Baltic coastal region. The denomination and country of issue are also found on this side.
Given the innovative concept, strong historical theme and flawless antique Proof quality, the mintage of the Gold $5 (just 2,000) is surprisingly small. Although guaranteed an allocation due to our role as official distributor for the Poland Mint, our stocks are strictly limited and we are sure to sell out. The first edition in this series, dedicated to the Russian town of Kaliningrad, sold out at an unexpectedly rapid rate. Each coin is accompanied by a Certificate of Authenticity.
Also available is the Niue Island 2009 $1 Elblag Amber Route Silver Proof
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