Silver Ounce 2010 Coming of Age, 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.

Coming of Age is the fourth silver coin of the series. The central theme depicted on the coin includes the various symbols of maturity. Lyada (known also as: Laila, Leila, Lajla, Lejla, Łada) was a Slavic goddess, and a mother of twin male deities, Lel and Polel, associated with the morning and evening. The festival dedicated to the goddess was held around the time of Pentecost, now taken over by the Catholic faith. She was associated with the cult of maternity - a patron of births, beauty, and harvesting. Flowers were a compulsory ornament for the May nuptials with Goddess Laila. White dresses were also customarily used for such initiation ceremonies for girls, as were wax candles which had to be made of honeycomb. Coming of age is a turning point in the life of a young person when they reach maturity and start a new phase. The coming of age festival in the Slavic culture is held when young people reach the age of eighteen.

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 May 2010, in Brilliant Uncirculated grade only, boxed, with a Certificate of Authenticity in Belarusian and English.