Silver Ounce 2009 Baptism, Coin from Belarus - detailed information

Silver Ounce 2009 Baptism, Coin from Belarus (demonetised 2017)
CoinSilver Ounce 2009 Baptism

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.

Baptism (or "Christening") is the third silver coin of the series. The interesting design of the coin is connected with the tradition of baptising. At present baptism is a religious ritual practised in many churches. It was also practised by primeval Slavs who believed in a cleansing power of water (Midsummer Eve rituals). The symbols presented on the coin are a reflection of traditions connected with baptism.

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 2009, in Brilliant Uncirculated grade only, boxed, with a Certificate of Authenticity in Belarusian and English.

MintMint of Poland Mint MarkNo mint mark Mintage Limit (25,000 )
Obverse
Belarus / Silver Ounce 2009 Baptism - obverse photo

In the upper part of the coin, in relief is the national emblem of the Republic of Belarus:
An outline of the map of Belarus, superimposed over sun rays. The sun is partially covered by a globe. Lining the left and right sides of the emblem are stalks of wheat, superimposed with flowers. Clovers adorn the left wheat stalks; flax flowers adorn the right. Wrapped around the wheat stalks is a ribbon representing the flag of Belarus; the ribbon meets at the base of the emblem, where the name Republic of Belarus: Рэспубліка Беларусь, is inscribed in Belarusian. At the top of the emblem there is a five-pointed star.

Divided by the emblem, the legend РЭСПУБЛІКА БЕЛАРУСЬ (Republic of Belarus).

In the central part of the coin is an image of a stork (in Slavic tales, it brings babies to a family) standing on a semi-circular decorative composition symbolising the Earth as a bread-winner on which there are symbols of family, motherhood, children and the sun.

Around below left, the standard of the metal Ag 925 (Ag is abbreviated from Argentum, the Latin word for silver; 925 means 92.5% - also known as "sterling" silver) and the year of issue 2009.

Around below right, the face value 20 РУБЛЁЎ (Twenty Roubles).

Obverse Inscription РЭСПУБЛІКА БЕЛАРУСЬ Ag 925 2009 20 РУБЛЁЎ
Reverse
Belarus / Silver Ounce 2009 Baptism - reverse photo

In the central part of the coin, with an ornamental background, is the image of a child dressed for baptising over a baptismal font; on the child’s shirt - an image of a cross filled with pad print in a gold colour. Above, two angels and a dove (good guardians watching over the child).

Around below, a semi-circular inscription: ХРЭСЬБІНЫ (baptism, or Christening).

Reverse Inscription ХРЭСЬБІНЫ
EdgeMilledEdge InscriptionNone
Notes

There is also a copper-nickel version with the same design, denominated as 1 Rouble.

See also

Coins from The Slav’s Traditions series include:

- Wedding, 2006
- Housewarming, 2008
- Baptism, 2009
- Coming of Age, 2010
- Maternity, 2011
- Fatherhood, 2012

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Silver Ounce 2009 Baptism: Details
CountryBelarus
CurrencyBelarusian Rouble
PeriodSecond Rouble (2000 - 2016)
Coin TypeSilver Ounce, Second Rouble
Issued2009
SymbolNational Emblem of Belarus
Face Value20 (x Rouble)
Mintageunknown
Mintage Limit25,000
CurrentNo; demonetised 2017
Material0.925 Silver
DesignerS Nekrasova
TechnologyMilled (machine-made)
ShapeRound
OrientationMedal Alignment (Axis 0)
Size38.6100 mm
Mass33.6300 g
OCC IDPMVR-OAPC-AVPY-ENQG
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Silver Ounce 2009 Baptism: Photos
ImageDetails
Silver Ounce 2009 Baptism: Photo Coin, Belarus, One Ounce Silver 2009 Baptism / thumbnail Coin, Belarus, One Ounce Silver 2009 Baptism
Copyright: Mint of Poland
Source
Silver Ounce 2009 Baptism: Photo Coin, Belarus, One Ounce Silver 2009 Baptism / thumbnail Coin, Belarus, One Ounce Silver 2009 Baptism
Copyright: Mint of Poland
Source
Silver Ounce 2009 Baptism: Catalogue Reference IDs
SourceReference ID
Krause, Standard Catalog of World CoinsBelarus KM# 199