France 2008 Year Rat Mouse Lunar Zodiac French 1/4 Euro Silver in FULL OGP

Description: In Stock and Ready for Immediate Shipment!LONG Sold Out at the Mint! Celebrate the Year of the Rat 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 2008 we celebrate the Year of the Rat. According to tradition, people born during a Year of the Rat are said to exhibit that animal’s attributes. They are leaders, pioneers and conquerers, with charisma and passion, as well as being hardworking and practical. Some might call them crafty and thrifty, but they are generous to a fault with relatives. This is the third crown-sized coin in the French Lunar Zodiac series. Because of its popularity and low mintage, the 2008 Year of the Rat silver proof-like quarter Euro sold out quickly at the mint. Obverse The rat, a practical overachiever, ponders its next move and its future. It is surrounded by an intricately-engraved oriental border design. The legends in French and Chinese translate as "Year of the Rat - 2008". 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 2008 Face Value 1/4 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 © 2021 Talisman World Coins and Medals. All Rights Reserved.

Price: 69.95 USD

Location: Saint Louis, Missouri

End Time: 2024-11-21T23:40:09.000Z

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