Palau – 2011 – 5 Dollars – Flora & Mountains MOUNT FUJI (incl box) (PROOF)

Description

Face Value Metal Fineness Weight Diameter Quality Mintage
5 Dollars Silver .925 25gr 38.61mm PROOF 2500

As one of the most beautiful mountains in the world, the illustrious volcano Fuji is located on the coast of Japan. With its 3776 m in height, it’s the highest mountain in Japan and a popular excursion destination. For hundreds of years its nearly symmetrical volcanic cone has been a popular motive for artists.

The Shintoism’s holy mountain name is shrouded in many myths and legends. It is believed that the name originates from wisteria or rainbows. However the most logical explanation is that the word Fuji originates from the Ainu language. For the native Japanese, Fuji quite simply means “Fire”.

The last time the volcano spewed out fire into the sky was in 1707. Today it is classified as having a very low eruption risk. Directly under the volcanic cone there is a deep crack in the Earth’s surface which ensures a continual supply of basaltic magma. This is a comparatively thin fluid which ensures that the volcano grows gradually and not explosively and is thus able to maintain its beautiful conical form.
Its shape allows thousands of tourists to easily climb the mountain each year, following the example of an unknown monk who first dared to climb the volcano in the year 663.