Holy Helpers: Saint Barbara, Andorra, 2010, 28.28g

Description

The Mint of Poland is proud to present an exceptional series of collector coins, “Holy Helpers”. “Saint Barbara” is the third coin from this special collection.
Very low mintage, up to 5,000 pcs, and an interesting design made the previous coins in the collection, “Saint Christopher” and “Saint George”, extremely popular among the collectors.

The “Holy Helpers” are a special group among all the saints of Christianity as it is believed that their intercession is particularly effective. Most of them lived at the turn of the 3rd and 4th century AC, at the time when Christians were victims of bloody persecution within the Roman Empire. With the passing of centuries, deeds became interwoven with legends. The veneration of these saints was in its heyday in the 14th century in Rhineland, where it was closely related to the Black Death rampant in Europe at that time. However, it is believed that the saints can also offer protection against a number of other diseases; they are also patrons of many professions, social groups and cities. They enjoy a special position in popular religion: statuettes, pictures and medallions bearing their images are by many treated as amulets endowed with magical powers which can help in the hardships of everyday life. In this series we depict the saints especially popular and known all over Europe.

Obverse:
The central part of the coin depicts the Coat of Arms of the Principality of Andorra. Below the Coat of Arms, a nominal value of the coin, 10 D. (10 Diners), and a year of issue, 2010. On the right of the “D.” letter, the Mint’s mark – MW. Above the Coat of Arms, along the edge of the coin, semicircular inscription in Catalan language, PRINCIPAT D’ANDORRA (Principality of Andorra).

Reverse:
In the central part, an image of Santa Barbara, at the background a symbol of tower (a place where Saint Barbara was held). Along the rim, an ornament often used in artistic metalwork. At the top, a semicircular, stylized inscription “Santa Barbara” (Saint Barbara) in Catalan language.