It’s becoming harder and harder to write about the continuing throng of new art-architectural coins coming on to the market, but it’s worth it because the quality of entrants in this genre is just so high. With such brilliant releases as Mesopotamia, Secrets of Pena, Alhambra, and my own favourite, the Taj Mahal, collectors of these coins have never had it so good. Moneda Nueva, a Spanish producer, has previously entered the field with its Masterpieces in Stone: The Malachite Room release. This was an antique finish, 55mm, 3oz coin with a malachite insert, a little heavier than the norm, but essentially a typical specification and design.
Their latest issue is on a whole other level, one previously occupied by just two Coin Invest Trust designs, each of only 99 pieces. That level is the one-kilo architectural coin. Both of the CIT efforts have been quite brilliant, and it’s fair to say this new coin from Moneda Nueva is up there with them. Featuring the same subject as what I personally consider the finest coin of this type yet released, the Taj Mahal is considered one of the worlds most beautiful buildings and thus makes a fine basis for an attractive design. This coin doesn’t disappoint, with a reverse depicting the iconic exterior of the building, and an obverse taking a multi-layered look at the interior. There’s very little in the way of extraneous inscriptions and the whole is beautifully designed, the lapis lazuli insert (as used on the Taj Mahal itself) being very well integrated, not always the case with some of these coins.
With this level of specification combined with a tiny 100 coin mintage, it’s obviously not a bargain-basement numismatic, but the price is currently €3299 at Moneda Nueva dealer TopWorldCoins, far less than the CIT duo debuted at (both are near €7.5k at the moment). Available to order now, this well-presented coin will ship in early June.
THE TAJ MAHAL IN AGRA, INDIA
Located at Agra in India, the Taj Mahal (“crown of palaces”) is a white marble mausoleum built by Mughal emperor Shah Jahan in memory of his third wife, Mumtaz Mahal. Construction took place from 1632 to around 1650 and was entrusted to a board of architects under imperial supervision with the principal designer generally considered to be Ustad Ahmad Lahauri. Becoming a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 1983, the site is visited by several million people each year, although the structure is suffering damage because of environmental issues.
The Taj Mahal is regarded by many as the best example of Mughal architecture and is widely recognized as “the jewel of Muslim art in India”. It is one of the world’s most celebrated structures and a symbol of India’s rich history. Click the buttons below for more information.
MINTS DESCRIPTION
A fascinating work of numismatic art – the Taj Mahal coin – is dedicated to India’s architectural jewel built over 350 years ago. With the mintage of a mere 100 coins worldwide, the Taj Mahal coin is a 1 kilo silver .999 piece in ultrahigh relief notable for exquisite craftsmanship and detailed elaboration. The special thing about this coin is its refined look enhanced with a blue Lapis lazuli insert. Since Lapis lazuli is a natural stone, its real color in every single coin may slightly differ from that on the photo.
The pure white marble palace was built by Emperor Shah Jahan in the memory of his favorite wife, Mumtaz Mahal. The Taj Mahal is known as the finest example of Mughal architecture, a mix of Islamic, Indian and Persian styles. It’s a wonder brought to life by the love story.
Capturing the beauty and delicacy of the Taj Mahal through a skillful blend of detail and ultrahigh relief, the coin takes you on a journey within the magnificent walls of the palace. Its stunning architectural beauty is beyond description. Thorough and precise minting process has resulted in the highly detailed obverse and reverse images that reveal various decorative patterns of the Taj Mahal walls. It was Lapis Lazuli that was chosen to embellish this huge silver coin. Representing tenderness and love, this incredible blue stone has enriched the coin by giving it depth and special charm. This silver coin will take your breath away at first sight – a true work of art!
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