Pobjoy Mint has released on behalf of the Isle of Man Treasury a pyramid-shaped coin containing sand from the pharaoh Tutankhamun's tomb.
The issue marks the November 2007 exhibition of "Tutankhamun and the Golden Age of the Pharaohs" in London. Its March 2 release coincided with the 70th anniversary of the death of archeologist Howard Carter.
The English excavator discovered the pharaoh's tomb in 1922 in the Valley of the Kings in Luxor, Egypt, almost completely intact. Carter went on to retire from archaeology to become a collector. He died at the age of 64 in 1939.
The coin's design comes from the ancient Egyptian story from the Books of the Underworld called "The Night Journey." The ancient Egyptians would decorate the walls of pharaohs' tombs with scenes from these books. This story is divided into 12 chapters, representing the 12 hours of night. The ancient Egyptians believed that the 12 hours after death are symbolic for a person's journey into the underworld and for achieving rebirth at dawn.
The coin's central image is taken from a wall decoration from Tutankhamun's tomb. The pharaoh is depicted in the center with his cartouche. He is welcomed by Anubis, God of the Underworld, and Hathor, Goddess of Love and Beauty. The sun disk at the top of the design holds the tomb sand, encapsulated by a sheet of glass.
The obverse bears the effigy of Queen Elizabeth II surrounded by a pattern of hieroglyphics and the word "Tutankhamun."
The coin is available in 1-ounce proof gold and silver versions. The 999.9 fine gold coin measures 45.00 by 32.10 mm and weighs 31.103 grams. It has a small issue limit of 250 pieces.
The silver proof measures 56.20 by 40.70 mm and weighs 31.103 grams. Its mintage is capped at 3,000.
These coins complete the range of commemorative Tutankhamun coins from Pobjoy.
For more details or to place an order, visit the mint's Web site at www.pobjoy.com.
Source: numismaster.com
