AMTG Virtual Cyprus 1st Edition 2008 1st edition GC

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Mid size coin with heft.  1.5 inches 3 mm thick bronze.  Other metals issued each of the 4 metals is limited to 75 coins.  This is coin number 297 of 300 minted.  Unusual shape in that it has a small pass through.  The front as lots of 3-D work showing wildlife, art and watercraft from Cyprus. The 3D work is detailed. The medallion also has raised script that says "2008 1st edition".  The reverse's medallion is done in matte enamel.  The background metal is texture.  The medalion is white and there is a map of Cyprus done in orange. The map is above two wreaths done in delicate metal work. The rim raised stars on textured metal background.. Very nice coin.

Coin info : : Cyprus is the third-largest Mediterranean island and one of the most popular tourist destinations. One suggestion is that the name 'Cyprus' stems from the ancient Eteocypriot word for copper or for bronze, from the large deposits of copper ore found on the island. The Classical Latin word for the metal (copper) has taken its name through the years from the phrase aes Cyprium, "metal of Cyprus", later shortened to Cuprum. The other suggestion is that it comes from the Greek word for the Mediterranean cypress tree (Cupressus sempervirens). Cyprus is also called "the island of Aphrodite", since the Greek goddess Aphrodite, of beauty and love, was born in Cyprus. Kyrenia II is an exact replica of the Kyrenia ship. The Kyrenia ship is the wreck of a 4th century BC Greek merchant. It is the only preserved ship from Greece's Classical Age. Kyrenia II is often used as a floating ambassador of Cypriot culture, and has visited many parts of the world. The Mouflon is thought to be one of the two ancestors for all modern domestic sheep breeds. The Cyprus Mouflon (which can be found only in Cyprus) is the most characteristic species of fauna in the island. The Mouflon is one of the protected species of fauna under Cyprus Law. The Idol of Pomos, a cross-shaped idol dating back to the Cypriot chalcolithic period (3000 B.C.), found in Pomos. It is a characteristic example of prehistoric art in Cyprus. The sculpture represents a woman with her arms spread. It was probably used as a fertility symbol.

 Cyprus is the only country whose area is shown on the official flag. The background of the flag is white and stands for peace. In the middle, the copper-coloured outline of the island is a reminder of the historical mining of this metal in Cyprus. The branches of the olive tree also document the desire for peace.The coin in four metal variants (antique silver, antique gold, in bronze and copper) in a special edition of 300 pieces was produced in 2008 and was launched on the market at the beginning of August at the latest. .

On display are: Kyrenia II, an exact replica of the Kyrenia ship. The ship of Kyrenia is considered the best preserved ancient ship of the eastern Mediterranean from the Greek classical period. The wreck of a Greek merchant from the 4th century BC was discovered in 1965, lifted and restored from 1967. Kyrenia II is often used as a floating ambassador of Cypriot culture and has visited many parts of the world.

The mouflon is considered one of the two ancestors of all modern domestic sheep breeds. The Cyprus mouflon (which can only be found in Cyprus) is the most characteristic animal species on the island. The mouflon is one of the protected species under Cypriot law.

The Idol of Pomos, a cruciform idol from the Cypriot Limestone Age (3000 BC) found in Pomos. It is a characteristic example of prehistoric art in Cyprus. The sculpture depicts a woman with her arms spread. It was probably used as a fertility symbol.

So many of my trackable have been muggled that I only release new GCs as virtuals. If you do not approve, please leave it in the cache for a cacher who understands. Thanks. BR