Silver coin 1 Oz Leonardo da Vinci: Mona Lisa

Through its silver coins, the Mint XXI commemorates the most famous paintings in world art. Naturally, Leonardo da Vinci’s Mona Lisa is a must-have among them.

Leonardo da Vinci is revered as the epitome of the Renaissance man - a truly universal genius. The breadth and depth of his knowledge are unprecedented in recorded history. He was an engineer, sculptor, architect, naturalist, musician, writer, cartographer and, quite possibly, achieved his greatest fame as a painter. His most famous work and probably the most famous painting of all time is the Mona Lisa. This portrait of a mysterious woman with an enigmatic smile, which the maestro painted in the early 16th century whilst staying in Florence, has become the subject of all manner of rumours and endless speculation. Who was this woman, also known as La Gioconda? What is the strange landscape in the background supposed to represent? Are there really messages or codes hidden within the painting? Is the woman’s smile a sign of wisdom and virtue, or of passion and mischief?

The reverse side of the rectangular coin is entirely filled with a reproduction of da Vinci’s work. Thanks to colourisation technology, the Mona Lisa stands out in vivid colours. The obverse side, which is filled with decorative curves, features the issuer’s details. Since the coin is issued under licence by the state of Cameroon, it bears its name and the nominal value of 1,000 CFA francs (XAF).

The coin is placed in an elegant frame, allowing you to display this work of art with ease.