Monday, 13 April 2009

Malaysia Commemorative Coins 2009 : International Year of Astronomy

 Bank Negara Malaysia issued three types of commemorative coins in conjunction with the global celebration of the International Year of Astronomy 2009 (IYA2009). These commemorative coins were launched today by YB Dato' Dr. Maximus Ongkili, Minister of Science, Technology and Innovation, at the Planetarium Negara, Kuala Lumpur. These commemorative coins are legal tender and their specifications are as follows:


1. Gold Commemorative Coins (proof)

This proof coin is made of gold with 999.9 purity and weighs 7.96 grams. It has a face value of RM100 and will be sold at RM1,200 a piece. The mintage quantity is limited to 100 pieces.


2. Silver Commemorative Coin (proof)

This proof coin is made of Sterling silver with 92.5 purity and weighs 21.00 grams. It has a face value of RM10 and will be sold at RM150 a piece. The mintage quantity is limited to 350 pieces.


3. Nordic-Gold Brilliant Uncirculated (B.U) Commemorative Coin

The Nordic-Gold (B.U) coin has a face value of RM1 and will be sold at RM10 each. The mintage quantity is 10,000 pieces.




Coin Design

The descriptions of the International Year of Astronomy 2009's commemorative coins design are as follows:


1. The Obverse Side of the Coin

Depicts the Langkawi National Observatory with its main telescope in the centre. The background displays the constellation of stars known as the Orion Belt and the planet Saturn. The words "International Year of Astronomy 2009" appears in the circumference to signify the global celebration of astronomy.


2. The Reverse Side of the Coin

Depicts the official logo of IYA2009 and its main theme "The Universe, Yours To Discover". The words "Bank Negara Malaysia" and the denomination of the coin is reflected on the upper and lower circumference of the coin respectively.

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