Cook Islands – 2012 – 1 Dollars – History of Egypt ABU SIMBEL (PROOF)

Description

Metal: Copper silverplated
Weight: 27 g
Diameter: 38.61 mm
Quality: Prooflike
Mintage: 5’000 pcs.
Egypt not only reflects an eventful recent history but is considered to be one of the first ever advanced civilisations of mankind. Even over 3‘000 years ago, Egyptian architects built the most beautiful buildings and craftsmen produced the finest statues, masks and pieces of jewellery. With this series, we would like to bring this incomparable culture and its treasures nearer to you.

Pharaoh Tutankhamun ruled his empire from about 1332 until 1323 B.C., whereby „ruled“ here is not to be taken literally, given that he had already been appointed Pharaoh at the age of nine and it is assumed that the Egyptian Empire was de facto managed by priests and high officials. His tomb was discovered by Howard Carter in 1922. What makes Pharaoh Tutankhamun’s tomb so fascinating are the tremendous treasures which were found inside it. Alone the death mask is made of pure gold and is world-famous. Today, thanks to modern computer tomography, his age at death can be estimated to have been 18-22 years old. It is believed that a hunting accident was the cause of his death.

The massive temple of Abu Simbel was erected by Pharaoh Ramses II in the 13th century B.C. As Ramses II saw himself as the legitimate godly ruler, the temple particularly served to express this belief. Twice a year, on February 21st and on October 21st, the so-called solar phenomenon occurs within the temple. In each case the sun‘s rays penetrate the sanctuary and illuminate three of the four stone-carved king sculptures for about 20 minutes.