Description: In Stock and Available for Immediate Shipment! LONG Sold Out at the Mint! Celebrate the Year of the Ox 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 Rat In 2009 we celebrate the Year of the Ox. According to tradition, people born during a Year of the Ox are said to exhibit that animal’s attributes. While everyone knows the saying "strong as an ox", the personality traits go much deeper than that. Ox personalities are tenacious, dependable, confident, patient, enduring, quiet, and systematic, with a kind, caring nature that enjoys helping others. They can be averse to risk, wary of new things, and stubborn at times. This is the fourth crown-sized coin in the French Lunar Zodiac series. Because of its popularity and low mintage, the 2009 Year of the Ox silver proof-like 5 Euro sold out quickly at the mint. Obverse The ox stands strong and proud, ready to gore with its horns and appearing as if ready for a rodeo or Spanish bullfighting ring. It is surrounded by an intricately-engraved oriental border design. The legends in French and Chinese translate as "Year of the Ox - 2009". 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 2009 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 Copyright © 2022 Talisman World Coins and Medals. All Rights Reserved.
Price: 69.95 USD
Location: Saint Louis, Missouri
End Time: 2025-01-21T23:11:48.000Z
Shipping Cost: 0 USD
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Item Specifics
Restocking Fee: No
Return shipping will be paid by: Buyer
All returns accepted: Returns Accepted
Item must be returned within: 14 Days
Refund will be given as: Money Back
Circulated/Uncirculated: Uncirculated
Composition: Silver
Year: 2009
Fineness: 0.9
Grade: Uncirculated
Country/Region of Manufacture: France
Certification: In full original mint packaging OGP + CoA
