Wednesday 6 February 2013

Proof/UNC Coin Sets: India

Proof/UNC Coin Sets: India

What is the meaning of 'Proof coin'?
A proof coin is a coin struck using a special, high-quality minting process, and made especially for collectors. Modern proof coins often have mirror-like surface finish.The high-quality detail is evident in the Proof coin.You never see proof coins in circulation because they are made for collectors and sold by the mint for more than face value in a special package. This package includes all the information about coin i.e. metal composition, details of commemoration etc. 

What is UNC aka Uncirculated coin?
Uncirculated means a coin has not had any wear, such as the wear a coin might experience when it is used in commerce. When coins are minted for normal circulation in public, at the time of leaving the mint, these coins are in UNC state. Handling a coin, as well as improperly storing a coin, can result in wear on the surface of the coin.  This wear, even if very minor, will cause a coin to no longer grade uncirculated. Such INC coins are also sold by mints with a premium to its face value with a special package having all the details about the coin and the occasion of the commemoration.


1000 Years of Brihadeeshwarar Temple : Proof Set - 2010 

Honestly, I came to know about Brihadesshwarar temple only when I came to know about this coin. I was surprised that in spite of having such an architectural pride  in India, it was unknown to me. I referred the wikipedia and as I went on reading about it, emotions of happiness, pride came out of me. Just imagine, an architecture of 1000 years of age and that too standing tall in all its glory in the 21st century, what a magnificent achievement. Along with the feeling of pride, I felt that it is still neglected in India and government of India didn't promote it for tourism the way it should have been. Any way, there is a saying in Hindi ' Der aaye, durust aye' means ' Its ok you are late but at least you came right way'.

This is the only coin with face value of Rs.1000 issued by India  till date. I guess, there is very less chance of another coin of Rs. 1000 in near future. I hope, Indian mints will not mint coins of Rs. 1000 frequently unless there is a genuine occasion and unless they don't chase to earn money [not in our control :)]. An way, I am proud of possessing this coin [ 1st of Rs.1000] in my collection.

Package - Front and Back

Set of 2 Coins - 1000 Rs and 5 Rs
Coin has an excellent mirror-finished surface. You can see a reflection of the camera while taking snap on coin surface.

Metal Composition of 2 coins
Built in 1010 AD by Raja Raja Chola I in Thanjavur, Brihadeeswarar Temple, also popularly known as the ‘Big Temple', turned 1000 years old in 2010.

The Peruvudaiyar Kovil, also known as Brihadeeswara Temple, RajaRajeswara Temple and Rajarajeswaram, at Thanjavur in the Indian state of Tamil Nadu, is a Hindu temple dedicated to Shiva and an art of the work achieved by Cholas in Tamil architecture. The temple is part of the UNESCO World Heritage Site "Great Living Chola Temples".

This temple is one of India's most prized architectural sites. The temple stands amidst fortified walls that were probably added in the 16th century. The Vimana or (temple tower) is 216 ft (66 m) high and is among the tallest of its kind in the world. The Kumbam (Kalasha or Chikharam) (apex or the bulbous structure on the top) of the temple is carved out of a single stone.

Discovery channel filmed a documentary on this temple exploring the architecture and tried to find out the possible ways in which this temple was built using gigantic stone blocks, the ways in which such gigantic blocks were transported from several location to the location of temple.
It was a great documentary and I am thankful to Discovery for this. They did a great and fantastic job as always.

Click here to know more about Brihadeeshwarar Temple.

===XXX===




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