Cook Islands – 2023 – 10 Dollars – Church of Saint George 8th Wonder of the World

Description

The Church of Saint George is the first issue in an exciting new series “The 8th Wonder of the World”. The series travels the world to places deemed to be the 8th wonder of the world. The Church of Saint George is minted on a 2 oz pure silver 45 mm blank in PROOF quality and partially colored. Using the ultra-high relief Smartminting© technology the carved church stands out as in real life. A special Cook Islands coat of arms is made for the series. There will be just 555 pieces worldwide so get yours now and hold these wonders in your hand.

Coin description

The reverse of the coin depicts the Church of Saint George from a bird’s eye view with the rocks it’s carved into in the background. At the top is the Lalibela Cross and the name of the coin “CHURCH OF SAINT GEORGE, LALIBELA”. At the right side is a, colored, top view of the church. The reverse also has the inscription “2023” (the year of issue).

The obverse side of the coin is a special coat of arms. Dots are added to realize an earth sphere optical illusion. Two rows of monuments around the world are added as well in a stylized way. The obverse also has the Coat of Arms with Queen Elizabeth II and the inscriptions: “COOK ISLANDS” (the issuing country), “TEN DOLLARS” (the face value), “8TH WONDER OF THE WORLD” (the series name) and “LABOR OMNIA VINCIT” (meaning Work conquers all).

Background information

The Church of Saint George is one of the eleven, and most famous, rock-hewn monolithic churches of Lalibela, Ethiopia. It was constructed in the 12-13th century by Lalibela, King of Ethiopia after a vision of Saint George. Lalibela wanted to recreate Jerusalem. All eleven churches are grouped in two clusters also known as earthly Jerusalem and heavenly Jerusalem with a trench in between representing the River Jordan. The Church of Saint George is located separately from the ten other churches in the southwest of the others. It is completely carved downwards into the rocky volcanic earth in the shape of a cross.

Today, the Church of Saint George attracts many pilgrims from around he world. But you cannot just enter as it looks inaccessible with sheer drops on all sides. There is a small spiral canyon nearby which gives access through a tunnel to the church. The church is hollow and contains a statue of Saint George and a replica of the Ark of the Covenant. The structure is a true marvel and therefore often referred to as one of the possible 8th Wonders of the World.