Apart from its regular circulating coinage, Solomon Islands has authorised a number of private mints to issue collector coins in precious metals, which are legal tender in the country but are not intended for general circulation. Many of them are in standard bullion sizes - typically, one ounce of silver (abbreviated as 1 oz Ag, where "Ag" comes from the Latin word for silver, Argentum). These are usually dedicated to historical or general popular culture themes not related to the country itself.
The 2019 Father Frost and Snow Maiden 1oz silver coloured coin is part of the Matryoshka series of coins with Russian themes. Matryoshka dolls are a set of wooden dolls of decreasing size placed one inside another. The name matryoshka, literally "little matron", is a diminutive form of Russian female first name "Matryona" or "Matryosha".
In Russia, Santa Claus is known as Ded Moroz ("Grandpa Frost", but usually translated as Father Frost). He brings presents to well-mannered children throughout December, often in person. On New Year's Eve, he secretly leaves presents under the Christmas tree. In East Slavic cultures, Ded Moroz is accompanied by Snegurochka ("Snow Maiden"), his granddaughter and helper. |
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The reverse features a coloured Father Frost standing proudly in a forest in winter, with his staff in his right hand and his left hand raised in greeting. At his feet sits his granddaughter, Snow Maiden. The background features a stylised Russian forest, complete with snowflakes.
The date of issue 2019 is Inscribed above.
Around below, in hand-written script, Дед Мороз и Снегурочка (Ded Moroz i Snegurochka - meaning "Father Frost and Snow Maiden"). |
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| Notes | Finish: proof, coloured, special shape, edge numbering (the unique serial number of each coin is inscribed on the edge).
Packaging: in the smaller of a pair of nested wooden Russian Matryoshka Dolls which were specially designed to house the coin, both adorned with a brightly coloured design matching the coin's imagery, accompanied by a themed Certificate of Authenticity. |
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