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Government
of Cook Islands Issues Zodiac Coins
With Encapsulated Birthstones
No
more than 10,000 each of silver and gold-plated silver One
Dollar coins, with designs based on the twelve signs of the
zodiac, have been issued by the Government of Cook Islands
and produced in proof quality by Australia's Perth Mint. Each
coin features a freshly interpreted and dramatically depicted
zodiac sign (Acquarius, Gemini, Virgo, etc.) with a recessed
area in the center housing the appropriate birthstones (emerald
for Cancer, topaz for Sagittarius, ruby for Capricorn, etc.).
The gemstones are free to move in their encapsulated space.
The
word "zodiac" comes from a Greek word meaning, "circle
of animals." According to Greek mythology, the animals
representing the signs were placed among the stars by Greek
gods and goddesses usually to reward them for great acts of
heroism. For example, the sign of Capricorn represents the
goat Amalthea who fed the infant Zeus; it is said that Zeus
placed her among the stars in gratitude. The first association
of a special gem with each month was recorded in the Bible
(Exodus 28 and 39). The original breastplate of the High Priest
was said to be made by Moses according to instructions he
received from God; the twelve gems in the breastplate were
originally associated with the Twelve Tribes, and later were
linked to the signs of the zodiac.
These
zodiac-birthstone coins are priced at $49 each in 8.5 gm.
of pure silver, or $59 for the gold-plated silver version.
Each coin comes in a brightly colored gift card listing the
dates and gemstones corresponding to each zodiac sign. For
an additional $10 the coin will come in a matching bezel so
it can be worn as an attractive pendant. Orders can be sent
to distributor PandaAmerica, 3460 Torrance Blvd, Suite 100,
Torrance, CA 90503. Credit card orders can be placed by calling
(800) 472-6327 or emailing info@pandaamerica.com.
Add $5.50 per order for shipping and insurance.
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Prepared by Mel Wacks
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