Twelve Heavenly Generals in the Chinese Zodiac - Ksitigarbha VS Snake-Samoa 0,25$ 2025 copper coin, 45 g

Face value: Samoa 0,25$
Weight: 40gr
Diameter: 40 mm
Mintage: 6666

Proof copper coin with partial gold plating

In East Asian Buddhism, the Twelve Heavenly Generals or Twelve Divine Generals are the protective deities.

Face value: Samoa 0,25$
Weight: 40gr
Diameter: 40 mm
Mintage: 6666

Proof copper coin with partial gold plating

In East Asian Buddhism, the Twelve Heavenly Generals or Twelve Divine Generals are the protective deities, or yaksha, of Bhaisajyaguru, the buddha of healing. They are introduced in the Bhai?ajyaguruvaiduryaprabharaja Sutra. They are collectively named Shí'èr Shén Jiang Mahala--Honji to this General is Bhaisajyaguru, It is the protective deity of zodiac rabbit.

Issuing Country: France
Face value: 5 €
Metal: Copper/Nickel
Weight: 11,7 g
Diameter: 29 mm
Quality: B.U.
Mintage: 25 000

The wheel of the zodiac signs is engraved on the coin's gold-colored crown. One sign stands out from the background because it is larger than the others and has a sandblasted background, different from the smoother one of the others. It is the Gemini symbol. In reference to the sign's element, air, part of the wheel is hidden by spirals of mist. In the middle of these, twins, a man and a woman, are intertwined. Behind them, the sun and a quarter-moon stand out against a starry sky featuring the Gemini constellation.

Issuing Country: France
Face value: 5 €
Metal: Copper/Nickel
Diameter: 29 mm
Quality: B.U.
Mintage: 25 000

The wheel of the zodiac signs is engraved on the coin's gold-colored crown. One sign stands out from the background because it is larger than the others and has a sandblasted background, different from the smoother one of the others. It is the symbol of Scorpio. The lower part of the wheel is embedded in a wave, in reference to water, the element of this sign. A Scorpion, its shell and claws adorned with arabesques, hugs the circular shape of the coin as it arcs into it. In the background, a starry sky features the Scorpio constellation.

Denomination: 1/4 €
Alloy: Common metal
Weight: 15,8 g
Diameter: 34 mm
Quality BU
Year: 2025

Notre-Dame Cathedral in Paris is a Gothic cathedral in the heart of the French capital, on the Île de la Cité. Built in the 12th century, its stained glass windows, gargoyles and flying buttresses have inspired many literary works such as Victor Hugo's novel. In April 2019, a violent fire ravaged a significant part of its structure, including its spire and roof. Restoration work then quickly began, in order to rebuild the monument identically.

On the front, in the foreground, a stonemason from the medieval period symbolizing the craftsmen who built the cathedral. In the background, the left part of the cathedral in detailed view and the right part, as well as the spire, in schematic outline of the structure to evoke its construction/reconstruction.

The reverse is common to all coins in the UNESCO series of this year 2025. It represents the terrestrial globe with the parallels and meridians on the left side and the inscriptions of major sites classified as UNESCO World Heritage on the right side. These inscriptions are as if engraved in stone, which echoes the Rosetta Stone. The left side of the globe is surrounded by the UNESCO logo as well as the marking "World Heritage". The face value is inscribed on the left side of the globe, blending perfectly with the parallels and meridians.

Denomination: 0,25 €
Alloy: Cupro-nickel Nordicgold
Weight: 15,8 g
Diameter: 34 mm
Quality Brilliant Uncirculated
Year: 2026

Surrounded by plum blossom, a symbol much used in Chinese history and art, and lanterns, the horse is depicted in a joyful, childlike manner. The inscription ‘Year of the Horse’ followed by the year 2026 appears in the centre of the coin. The ideogram of the horse appears at the bottom right of the coin. On the reverse, all the animals of the Chinese zodiac are drawn in a childlike way around the Ying and Yang symbol. A complete cycle of the Chinese zodiac begins in 2018 and lasts until 2029. Each of the twelve years in this period is represented by one of the zodiac animals. The face value is visible in the centre of the denomination and the wording ‘RF’.

Astrology is a discipline that attracts a wide audience thanks to its playful and accessible nature. It touches everyone in an intimate way and creates a sense of belonging by focusing on personality traits. Moreover, its aesthetic symbolism offers rich visual elements that can be an inexhaustible source of inspiration for artists. Astrological signs appear to be an obvious theme to explore for Monnaie de Paris, which therefore affirms its desire to appeal to as many people as possible, while allowing the talents of its craftsmen to express themselves.

A set contain the 12 €5 bicolor coins.