Gold coin New seven wonders of the world - Petra proof
Gold coin New seven wonders of the world - Petra proof
The product can also be purchased directly in the stores of the Czech Mint
New seven wonders of the world
The fourth of the new Seven Wonders of the World is the Jordanian rock city of Petra. The legendary monument is commemorated by a gold coin of the Czech Mint weighing one troy ounce.
Ancient cities were built near rivers, which provided them with sufficient moisture. Petra, however, was built on the rocks of the Jordanian desert, where every drop is scarce. Yet the rock city managed to thrive, thanks to the ingenuity of the Nabataean people who arrived in the 4th century BC. These skilled traders amassed enormous wealth, which enabled them to build many breathtaking rock houses, temples, amphitheatres and tombs. But most important of all was their ingenious irrigation system. Originally intended as a sacred burial ground, Petra eventually became a commercial hub, hosting up to thirty thousand people at its height. Exhausted caravans carrying precious goods to Europe couldn't believe their eyes when they came across gardens, vineyards, fountains and even a huge swimming pool in the middle of the wasteland. The city prospered and thrived thanks to the Romans, who conquered it in the 2nd century AD. However, as time went on, it began to decline as merchants found easier and quicker ways to reach eager customers. After devastating earthquakes and a Muslim invasion in the 7th century, Petra was all but forgotten. It was not rediscovered by the Western world until the 19th century. It was a huge sensation that attracted crowds of archaeologists, adventurers and tourists. Interest in the ancient city has continued unabated, as evidenced by its inclusion on the list of the new Seven Wonders of the World...
The reverse side of the coin, which is the work of medal maker Ludmila Kracíková, DiS., presents the Al-Khazneh Temple. The building, better known as the Treasury, is supplemented with the inscription PETRA. On the obverse side, which is common to the entire cycle, all the new seven wonders of the world appear - the Brazilian statue of Christ the Saviour, the Jordanian rock city of Petra, the Mayan city of Chichén Itzá in Mexico, the Roman Colosseum, the Indian monument of the Taj Mahal, the Inca seat of Machu Picchu in Peru and the Great Wall of China. As the coins of the Czech Mint are issued with the foreign license of the island of Niue, they also bear its national emblem, the nominal value of 50 DOLLARS (NZD) and the year of issue 2024 on the obverse side.
The edition has only 200 pieces of one ounce coins.