Cook Islands – 2009 – 5 Dollars – Little Thermo Chick (BU)

Description

Country: Cook Islands
Year: 2009
Face value: 5 Dollars
Metal: Silver .925
Weight: 25 g
Diameter: 30×43 mm
Quality: BU
Mintage: 2’500 pcs.

A special constitution of colouration has been used on this Easter coin. At first glance this coin seems plain but by touching the coins surface it reveals its surprise – a newly hatched chick appears. A complex printing process using thermo-colours makes this ?enchantment? possible. As if touched by a ghostly hand the image disappears when the colour cools down.

In Christianity, Easter is the most important religious feast. Since the 2nd century Easter was celebrated as remembrance of the death of Jesus Christ, as from the 4th century as joy for his resurrection. Ever since, the Easter egg is regarded as a traditional symbol for this religious holiday. During lent, 40 days before Easter, it was forbidden for believers to eat eggs. The eggs were boiled so they would not perish.

During the course of the 13th century the eggs were sanctified for the first time. In order to distinguish these eggs from those which have not been sanctified they were coloured. Up until today, the tradition of decorating eggs has been upheld and is festively celebrated by young and old.