Hungary Issues a Medallion for IYA2009

This story is bit different from others, Normally you expect to read about an IYA2009 coin issued by some country. This is in fact a medallion, issued by the Hungary. The Hungarian Numismatic Society took the initiative in issuing this commemorative medallion in celebration of IYA2009, International Year of Astronomy 2009.

Below you can see the image of both sides of this commemorative medal, which has been issued together with a plastic capsule. The medal has a shiny lacquer surface and it's much beautiful to see it live rather than just this image.

The obverse side of this medal (to your left) demonstrates the well known logo of IYA2009. But there are 2 differences, that the logo is not in usual bluish color, this time it's brownish. The other is that the logo is etched in Hungarian. However there's an English version of the text reading International Year of Astronomy along the round edge of the medal.

The reverse is illustrated with the famous Hungarian astronomer Jeno Gothard, who died 100 years ago. Beside the portrait of Gothard, one of his greatest discoveries is also depicted on reverse. In 1892 he came up with the discovery that the spectra of Nova Aurigae is very similar to the spectra of planetary nebula. His drawing from his log book is replicated on this elegant IYA2009 medal.

Here are some of the properties of the this IYA2009 Medallion.

Metal: Bronze

Diameter: 42mm (1.65")

Weight: 37.1gramm

Designer: Zsuzsa Csóka

Issued:  200 Pieces

Since there are just only 200 pieces, been issued, this medallion is sort of rarest among all IYA2009 souvenirs/ legacies. It should also be mentioned that there were other 40 samples of this medal made with silver especially for the members of the Hungarian Numismatic Society, who have prepaid for the medal.
This special quote of this Gothard medal was minted by Szabó Mint, Szeged, Hungary.

Ukraine Issues Commemorative Coins for IYA2009

This IYA2009 coin is from Ukraine, in celebration of IYA2009 - International Year of Astronomy 2009. This coin has been in In circulation since October 14, 2009. This elegant coin comes with following specifications.


Denomination: 5 hryvnia (currency of Ukraine)
Metal: Copper-Nickel
Weight: 16.54 g
Diameter : 35 mm

Quality: special uncirculated

Edge: grooved
Mintage: 45 000
Designers: Volodymyr Taran, Oleksandr Kharuk, Sergei Kharuk.
Authors of models: Anatoly Demyanenko, Sviatoslav Ivanenko

On the obverse side of this IYA2009 coin are the Small Coat of Arms of Ukraine and the semicircular inscription НАЦІОНАЛЬНИЙ БАНК УКРАЇНИ (National Bank of Ukraine) plus a composition symbolizing the Cosmos.  On the same side one can find the image of Urania (to the left side), the goddess of astronomy, one of the nine Muses in the Greek mythology, and the cosmic space together with a piece of illustration showing the motion of solar system planets. Below that are the year 2009, the year of issuance, the logo of the National Bank of Ukraine Mint and the coin face value 5 ГРИВЕНЬ (5 hryvnias) on the conventionalized scroll.


On the reverse side, is the portrait of Yurii Drohobych , a great Ukrainian scientist/ astronomer (to the right) with his lifetime (1450 – 1494) Thereunder, the International Year of Astronomy logo (to the left) with the legend МІЖНАРОДНИЙ/РІК/АСТРОНОМІЇ (International/year/of astronomy) thereunder; below there are depicted artifacts of cosmic space researchers.

Yurii Drohobych was a Ukrainian astronomer, scientist, philosopher and a great genius who lived in the Ukrainian city of Drohobych. During 1481-1482, he was the rector of University of Bologna. His work IUDICIUM PRONOSTICON ANNI 1483 CURRENTIS (Prognostic Estimation of the Year 1483) was the first printed book of a Ukrainian author.

Czech Republic Issues Coins in Celebration of IYA2009

The Czech National Bank put into circulation a CZK 200 coin last October (2009) in celebration of IYA2009, International Year of Astronomy. The Czech kept their attention more on 400th anniversary of the derivation of Kepler's Laws on planetary motion, by Johannes Kepler. The IYA2009 is also coincident to the 400th anniversary of discovery of Telescope for stellar observation, by Galileo Galilei, back in 1609.

This very special CZK 200 alloy coin is minted in two versions composed of 900 silver pieces and 100 copper pieces, each of which  are specified for normal and proof respectively. They slightly vary from their formation of surface and edges.

The small set of 100 proof-quality coins have highly polished fields with plain edges with the inscription in Czech “ČESKÁ NÁRODNÍ BANKA" which means "CZECH NATIONAL BANK"

The normal-quality coins have milled edges with following properties.

Diameter : 31 mm
Weight : 13 g
Thickness : 2.3 mm
Designer : Vojtěch Dostál

The obverse side of this IYA2009 CZK 200 coin depicts the drawing of the orbit of Mars resembling the Johannes Kepler´s famous book “Astronomia Nova”. In addition the name of the state “ČESKÁ REPUBLIKA” - Czech Republic, is etched around edge of the coin. The bottom edge of the coin bears the denomination and abbreviated Czech monetary unit “200 kč” courtesy of Czech Mint, together with the logo of the Europa project, which laid the basis for the IYA2009 CZK 200 coin to be issued.

The reverse side of the coin is featured with the portrait of Johannes Kepler on the background of the illustration of the law of areas, which is the Kepler's 2nd Law of Planetary Motion. The inscription in Czech reading “ KEPLEROVY ZÁKONY POHYBU PLANET“, which could be translated as "Kepler's laws of planetary motion" is positioned at the right-hand edge of the coin. Along opposite edge to that are the years “1609 – 2009”.

If you look more carefully with scrutiny, you'll find out the reversed letter "D" on the same side. This revered D stands for the name of Vojtěch Dostál the 1st designer of this Czech IYA2009 coin, This is carved near to the ear of Kepler.

Each coin comes with a blue postcard-sized catalog card. It is dry-stamped through silver foil. There is also a text given in both Czech and English. This card is the same for the normal-quality and proof-quality coins.

Vatican Issues a Coin for IYA2009

These coins are from the world's smallest state, the Vatican, which has an area of 0.2 square miles. It's so great that Vatican is also joining the team of other European states, Austria, Italy, Germany & San Marino that have issued coins in celebration of IYA2009 - The International Year of Astronomy.

The coin's main focus is the connection of science and faith. The coin is issued with the face value at 2 Euros and it has bimetallic properties much similar to the IYA2009 coin of Austria, which has Silver and Niobium.

The Obverse (to your right) of this 2-Euro coin is featured with the map of Europe, inside the Ring, whereas the reverse is featured with the famous virtuoso Michelangelo, who was an Italian Renaissance painter, sculptor, architect, poet, and engineer. Along with his etched image, there are also important astronomical equipment those were used during the same era, where the prominent Italian astronomer Galileo Galilei also lived.

Specifications of Vatican IYA2009 coin

Type: Bimetallic

Finish: Uncirculated


Designer: Orietta Rossi

Engraver: Maria Carmela Colaneri


Diameter: 25.75mm

Weight: 8.50g



Thickness - 2.2mm

Mintage: 106,084

Face Value: 2 Euro

Moreover the coin, itself comes handy with an official cover, which makes it more elegant.

You can order the coins here : http://www.fleur-de-coin.com/shop/showcart.asp?id=eur15536 

Here is an Italian version of this post as well !! :- Credit : David Longo

Queste monete provengono dallo stato più piccolo del mondo, il Vaticano, che ha una superficie di 0,44 km quadrati. È così "grande" che il Vaticano è entrato a far parte del team con altri Stati europei, Austria, Italia, Germania e San Marino che hanno emesso le monete, in occasione del IYA2009 - L'Anno Internazionale dell'Astronomia.


Obiettivo principale della moneta è il collegamento della scienza con la fede. La moneta è coniata con il valore nominale di 2 Euro e ha proprietà bimetalliche molto simili alla moneta Austriaca, composta da Argento e Niobium.

Il dritto (a destra) di questa moneta da 2 Euro, presenta all'interno dell'anello, la raffigurazione della mappa dell'Europa, mentre il rovescio è rappresentato con il famoso virtuoso Michelangelo, pittore del Rinascimento italiano, nonchè scultore, architetto, poeta e ingegnere. Insieme alla sua immagine incisa, ci sono anche importanti strumenti astronomici utilizzati nel corso della stessa epoca, durante la quale è vissuto l'eminente astronomo italiano Galileo Galilei.

IYA2009 Coins of Germany

Below is the IYA2009 Coin issued by Germany in celebration of International Year of Astronomy 2009. Besides the usual German eagle, the obverse side (to your right) of the coin is simple in its design yet very important in what it represents.

It's significant that Johannes Kepler is featured in this German (Deutsch ) IYA2009 coin, as same as in IYA2009 coin of San Marino. Johannes Kepler was a then a scholar during the 17th century. His teacher was Tycho Brahe , who has won a great reputation as an astronomer, even he was gifted with an Island dedicated specially for his works, where he built ab observatory called Uraniburg. It was one of the best ones in Europe. He had many scholars/ trainees , among whom was Johannes Kepler.

However it was the Kepler who was fundamental in deciphering the laws of planetary motion, with the help of data archives of Tycho Brahe, after his demise.

Anyway ... this coin features Kepler in profile along with a diagram of an ellipse, illustrating the derivation of his Laws. You may also notice the trigonometric illustration in the reverse side (To your left)of this German IYA2009 coin.

The coin is a silver proof. It has a face value of €10. There is a mintage limit of 200,000 on the proof version, which is a great news for numismatists and even anyone who's interested in IYA2009 as well. Without any doubt, they would be nice souvenirs/ legacies of International Year of Astronomy IYA2009. Apparently the mintage of other corresponding counties was low.

IYA2009 Coins of San Marino

In fact there are 2 coins issued by the republic of San Marino in celebration of International Year of Astronomy 2009. Here is the first coin.

Following is the other San Marino's IYA2009 coin featuring eminent astronomer Johannes Kepler. It is quite simple and many numismatists will surely love simplicity of the coin.

The reverse side (To your left) of this IYA2009 coin bears the image of Johannes Kepler, along with the issuing country,  which is "REPUBLICA DI SAN MARINO."  ,Republic of San Marino. Kepler is shown  with a compass on a globe.

The obverse side (To your right) of this IYA2009 coin is perhaps more interesting. It is engraved with Kepler's name (KEPLERO) along with the book he published, "New Astronomy" (or, "ASTRONOMIA NOVA"). It is made with the sun at the center of a system with 8 planets, bringing out the idea of Kepler's key influence in developing the heliocentric model of the solar system.

In addition you can also find the 12 signs of the Western/Greek Zodiac in the neighborhood of the same planetary system: They can be deciphered as follows.

♈ (Aries), ♉ (Taurus), ♊ (Gemini), ♋ (Cancer), ♌ (Leo), ♍ (Virgo), ♎(Libra), ♏ (Scorpio), ♑ (Capricorn), ♒ (Aquarius), ♓ (Pisces).

The coin is different from the others in the following way that it is not influenced by its issuing nation (San Marino), rather it was struck by the Italian mint instead. (The obverse bears the large "R" mint mark as Italy's coin does). The mintage of this IYA2009 coin is 13,400 pieces . It is characteristic with its 18-gram & 92.5% silver features (sterling silver) with a face value of €5.

IYA2009 Coins of Italy

The obverse of the coin (To your left) shows a representation of Liberty in profile. It is illustrated that she is looking at stylized stars. To her left, there is an astrolabe depicted, which is an instrument that had been used to predict the motions/positions of the planets and stars.

The reverse side of this Italian IYA2009 commemorative coin is much more complicated. (To your right) The main feature that splits the coin in half on a diagonal is a rendition of Galileo's telescope (also featured on Austria's coin). The top motif above the telescope is another astrolabe.

Below them are several constellations. If you scrutinize you may some of find them to be Leo, Böotes, Corona Borealis, and Cygnus as far as I guess, The denomination of €10 is engraved there, along with "ASTRONOMIA ANNO INTERNAZIONALE" ("International Year of Astronomy") in Italian.

The coin is a 92.5% silver proof coin with a 34mm diameter that weighs 22 grams. (quite light) It has a mintage limit of only 9,000 pieces.


Here is the Italian Translated version:

Il dritto della moneta (a sinistra), mostra una rappresentazione della Libertà posta di profilo. E' raffigurata mentre cerca le stelle stilizzate. Alla sua sinistra, vi è raffigurato un astrolabio, uno strumento utilizzato per predire i movimenti / posizioni dei pianeti e delle stelle.

Il rovescio di questa moneta italiana commemorativa per l' IYA2009 è molto più complicato. (A destra) La caratteristica principale che divide la moneta in mezzo da una diagonale è una copia del telescopio di Galileo (in evidenza anche sulla moneta dell'Austria). Il motivo posto sopra il telescopio è un altro astrolabio.

Sotto di essi si trovano diverse costellazioni. Se si esamina attentamente possiamo trovare le costellazioni del Leone, Böotes, Corona Boreale e Cigno. La denominazione di € 10 è incisa, insieme a "ASTRONOMIA ANNO INTERNAZIONALE" ("International anno di astronomia") in italiano. La moneta è al 92,5 % d'argento con un diametro di 34 mm e peso di 22 grammi. Ha una tiratura limitata di soli 9.000 pezzi.

Translation Credit : David Longo

IYA2009 Coins from Australia: Royal Australian Mint & Canberra Astronomical Society Join Hands

The Royal Australian Mint joined with the Canberra Astronomical Society to create a night of star-gazing in celebration of the IYA2009 in commemoration of the International Year of Astronomy.

The coins were in fact issued prior to the IYA2009 itself, on 7 November 2008.

Janine Murphy, Chief Executive Officer of the Royal Australian Mint was quoted saying "In 2009 the world celebrates the exploration of our universe. It marks the 400th anniversary of Galileo Galilei’s first use of the telescope and recognizes his revolutionary discoveries that began modern astronomy"
The numismatic collection was really a boost for the IYA 2009 as it needs much reputation.
Other countries are encouraged to launch IYA 2009 stamps to promote astronomy and International Year of Astronomy in general.

Out of both coins, $ 1 coin features CSIRo's Parkes radio telescope known as "The Dish" whereas the 20-cent illustrates a star-gazing amateur astronomer, who is ina background, filled with stars and constellation.

Go here if you want to order the coins online.

The following image shows you the Astrophotographer David Malin and Director of the Anlgo-Australian Observatory, Professor Matthew Colless, at the launch of the IYA coins.


You can also browse more information from IYA2009 blog here.

Some Other Links :

http://www.perthmint.com.au/catalogue/international-year-of-astronomy-2009-1oz-silver-proof-coin.aspx


http://mintissue.ramint.gov.au/mintissue/product.asp?code=801373

About the Royal Australian Mint

His Royal Highness, The Duke of Edinburgh, officially opened the Royal Australian Mint, Canberra, on Monday 22nd February 1965. The Mint was commissioned to produce Australia’s decimal coinage, which was to be introduced into circulation on 14th February 1966. The Royal Australian Mint holds a place in history as the first mint in Australia not to be a branch of the Royal Mint, London.

Since opening in 1965 the Mint has produced over eleven billion circulating coins and has the capacity to produce over two million coins per day, or over six hundred million coins per year.

The Royal Australian Mint has struck coins for a number of South Pacific nations. Export coins were first struck in 1969 for New Zealand and, since then, coins have been produced for Papua New Guinea, Tonga, Western Samoa, Cook Islands, Fiji, Malaysia, Thailand, Nepal, Bangladesh, Israel and Tokelau.

Here are some more photos of Australian IYA2009 coins.

IYA2009 $30 Sterling Silver Coin by Canadian Mint

Above you can see the both sides of the $30 Sterling Silver Coin issued by the Canadian Mint for International Year of Astronomy IYA2009.

The design features an observatory with a universe of heavenly wonders shimmering within and around the beautifully painted night sky. This coin comes gorgeous with its silvery accomplishment and I think this would be adore by any numismatist to add to their collection. In fact the good news is that still you can order the coin from Canadian Mint, It's just less than US $ 90. Orders can be made here

Specifications

• Mintage : - Limited to 10000 coins worldwide
• Composition: - 92.5% silver, 7.5% copper
• Finish : - proof (with colour on the reverse)
• Weight : - (g) 33.75
• Diameter : - (mm) 40
• Edge : -serrated
• Certificate: - serialized
• Face value: - $30
• Artist : - Colin Mayne (reverse), Susanna Blunt (obverse)

Some other image:

Silver Niobium IYA2009 Galileo Coin Issued by Austria : Worth € 25

This story is about the IYA2009 coin issued by the Austrian Mint. The Austrian Mint in Vienna has issued this coin in celebration of International Year of Astronomy 2009. The specialty of this coin is that this is made out of silver and niobium metals. This elegant coins is valued at 25 Euros.

The coin went on to the sale last March and was featured with the portrait of Galileo Galilei and his very own telescope. In the same side you can find the drawings of Moon's surface by Galileo and some accounts on the development of telescope during the course of time.

The official side, which is the opposite of what was described above is engraved with the other side of Lunar Surface, which Galileo was unable to observe, It also reads "Republik Österreich" in German together with the value printed as € 25.

The niobium pill covers the inner ring of the coin, as seen in golden yellow. It should also be mentioned that the Austrian Mint was the first to employ this modern metal (discovered in 1801) in commemorative coins, changing its color each year.

Here are some specifications of the Austrian IYA2009 coin.

Alloy:	Ring: 9 g AG 900/1000 Pill: 6.5 g niobium
Finish:	Special Uncirculated Quality
Diameter:	34 mm
Mintage:	65,000 (max)
Date of Issue:	11 March 2009
Face Value:	25 euro
Designer:	Herbert Wähner

Further Reading :

Something about Austrian Mint :-

The Austrian Mint is situated in the heart of Vienna and is the official minting authority for Austria with a 800 year history.

The Mint is the source for all Austrian Euro and Cent coins, whether they are intended for shopping, as an investment or for collection. Before the Euro, the Schilling and Groschen coins were minted, and before that – during the monarchy - Crowns, Guilders and Ducats were struck by the Austrian Mint.
The company is located close to the centre at the Vienna Stadtpark in a Biedermeier building erected under Emperor Ferdinand I. from 1835 to 1837. Today it accommodates one of the most modern mints in the world

IYA2009 Coins by ANGKASA & Central Bank of Malaysia

Here are the special coins issued by ANGKASA (The Malaysian National Space Agency) in co-operation with Central Bank of Malaysia. Of course, the objective of this set of coins was to make the public more aware of IYA2009 and it's significance on us all.

The elegant set of 3 coins, featuring Gold, Silver & Nordic Gold

The prices of the coins were as follows !

Selling price :  

Type	Price
Set of 3 (Single Gold, Single Silver & Nordic Gold)	RM1,450.00
Set of 2 (Single Silver & Nordic Gold)	RM200.00
Single Gold	RM1,200.00
Single Silver	RM150.00
Nordic gold	RM10.00

For any enquiry or details please contact:       Name : Asnor Nadirah Binti Ishak
                                                                 Email  : asnor@angkasa.gov.myThis e-mail address is being protected from spam bots, you need JavaScript enabled to view it
                                                                 Phone : +603-8888 8668

Please note:  RM = Ringgit Malaysia (1USD =3.424 RM as per 26th January 2010)

Welcome to the IYA2009 Coins

This blog is featured with coins that have been issued in celebration of IYA2009 - International Year of Astronomy 2009. Many counties had a variety of events, projects , etc to cherish IYA2009 and you are welcome to this blog which features numismatic issues, that have been occupied with IYA2009.

On the other hand these coins are of higher valuable since they carry a significant importance as souvenirs, If you are a numismatist I recommend that you should not miss any of these coins, that IYA2009 has gifted all of us !!