Silver Ounce 2008 Housewarming, Coin from Belarus - detailed information

The Belarusian Rouble was introduced as the currency of Belarus in 1992, but the country initially issued no coins at all; circulation was served by banknotes instead.

In later years, Belarus became a large producer of commemorative coinage for the numismatic market, particularly gold and silver bullion coins and non-circulating legal tender. Their designs range from fairly commonplace to unique and innovative; themes range widely from "native culture and events" to fairy tales and pop culture topics not related to Belarus at all.

Large silver coins are issued in the "silver ounce" format and are usually denominated with a face value of 20 Roubles; between 2000 and 2016, these were of the "Secound Rouble" currency (ISO code BYR), which was demonetised after 2016 and replaced with the current "Third Rouble". The coins were issued at prices considerably higher than their intrinsic value, so are technically "Non-circulating Legal Tender" (NCLT) coins and not bullion.

This crown-sized coin is part of the "Family Traditions of the Slavs" series of beautiful silver coins devoted to the main ceremonies of the Slavic culture. Each coin presents a custom and symbol characteristic for an important period in the life of Slavs.

Housewarming is the second silver coin of the series and presents a beautiful custom called the housewarming (in Blearussian: Novosyelye). This is an element of culture and one of the oldest customs connected with the celebration of moving to a new house. In the old times people were very serious about their houses and were very superstitious. The first inhabitants that were let into a new house were cats. If the cat was calm it meant that the life in the new house would be happy. On the very same day the so called "osiedliny" were organised, to which relatives, neighbours, friends, a priest and the builders of the house were invited. All guests were treated to bread and salt and in return gave the hosts presents. Today cats remain one of the house guardians and, therefore, the cat at the obverse of the coin dominates.

The issuer of the series is the National Bank of the Republic of Belarus and the producer and distributor is the Mint of Poland. The coin was issued in January 2008, in Brilliant Uncirculated grade only, boxed, with a Certificate of Authenticity in Belarusian and English.