MKGees Cranes Geocoin - Purity

Part of my personal collection

The red-crowned crane (Grus japonensis) is a large East Asian crane and among the rarest cranes in the world. It is known as a symbol of luck, longevity and fidelity.

In China, the red-crowned crane is often featured in myths and legends. In Taoism, the red-crowned crane is a symbol of longevity and immortality. In art and literature, immortals are often depicted riding on cranes. A mortal who attains immortality is similarly carried off by a crane. Reflecting this association, red-crowned cranes are called xian he (literally: "fairy crane" or "crane of the immortals"). The red-crowned crane is also a symbol of nobility. Depictions of the crane have been found in Shang Dynasty tombs and Zhou Dynasty ceremonial bronzeware. A common theme in later Chinese art is the reclusive scholar who cultivates bamboo and keeps cranes.

Because of its importance in Chinese culture, the red-crowned crane was selected by the National Forestry Bureau of the People's Republic of China as a candidate for the title of national animal of China. This decision was deferred due to the red-crowned crane's Latin name translation as "Japanese crane"

This large and heavy geocoin was inspired by Chinese art and myths based around the Crane. Each coin comes with a pin badge (one pin badge with set) and the pin badge is also available separately. The coin was designed by Ian Ledger and produced by Geocoins R Us exclusively for Geocache Land.

The front of the coin is a highly detailed 3D image that features three cranes in flight against an ornate background and surrounded by a bamboo and scrollwork border. This side of the coin is finished with a red translucent enamel.
The rear of the coin features two Red-crowned Cranes resting in a blossom tree with Traditional Chinese symbols for "Long life and prosperity". This side is finished in soft enamels.

This is the "Purity" version.