December 11, 2014 – Once again, Coin Invest Trust proves that coins can have many shapes. A tree-shaped coin can be just as aesthetically pleasing as a round one, given that the design is as convincingly simple and minimalistic as that of this Christmas coin.
Palau, 1 Dollar, Gold .9999. 0,5 g, 11 mm, BU. Mintage: 15.000 pieces.
The coin is executed in Christmas tree shape and with matt finish on both surfaces. The circular indentations on the obverse are suggestive of tree decorations, the coin’s reverse shows the coat of arms of Palau.
In Germany and Austria, the Christmas tree truly embodies Christmas. Under the tree is where you gather the family on Christmas Eve, where you sing together, exchange presents and eat Christmas cookies. For centuries, this image has crucially shaped our idea of Christmas.
The origins of the Christmas tree tradition, however, remain unclear. Already in pre-Christian times, houses were decorated with evergreen branches or trees to symbolise the return of spring. In the Middle Ages, this tradition was taken up by the Christian church. From then on, trees were put up in sacred spaces and at home. Clear evidence supports the existence of this tradition only from the 16th century onwards.
In the 19th century, the Christmas tree found its way into living rooms around the world. Ernst Anschütz celebrated the tree in his still widely known Christmas song «O Tannenbaum». Not much later, the tree became a cultural export hit: To Great Britain, it was introduced by Prince Albert of Saxe-Coburg and Gotha, the German royal married to Queen Victoria. The Vatican only adopted this tradition in 1982 when a Christmas tree was put up on St Peter’s Square for the first time.
The Christmas coins are minted by B.H. Mayer’s Kunstprägeanstalt GmbH. Collectors can purchase the issue through specialty dealers.
More information about this and other coins designed by Coin Invest Trust provides the CIT’s website.
More about the history of the Christmas tree you can read in the Christmas Archives.