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Advent of the third millennium

500 Sk commemorative silver coin

Banknotes and coins, Advent of the third millennium
Banknotes and coins, Advent of the third millennium

With grand festivities and dazzling fireworks, on the last day of the year 2000 we bid farewell to the second millennium and stepped into a new third one. This milestone in the history of mankind offers a good opportunity for reflection.

Ongoing evolution of civilization and knowledge in all spheres of human activity, and rapid technological and scientific progress have yielded a number of good things. Living standard rises and life expectancy grows. However, there is still a host of problems to deal with, such as the threat of abuse of human knowledge, the need to preserve the environment and to help the worst poverty-stricken countries of the world. As we enter the new millennium, we hope it will be one marked by greater humanity and tolerance, with conflicts solved peacefully, and a stronger feeling of responsibility for everything we are going to leave for the generations to come.

  • Description of the coin

    Obverse:
    On the obverse of the coin, an image of the universe dominates. The center features a sun, with an eye set inside in thin lines as a divine symbol and also a symbol indicating a look into the future. Placed in the iris are astrological planetary symbols. The Earth and several other planets of our solar system indicating our position in the universe, are part of the design. The encircling text says SLOVENSKÁ REPUBLIKA, separated at the top of a triangle by the coat of arms, under which the year 2001 and the nominal value of 500 Sk are shown.

    Reverse:
    On the reverse, the coin features a design with three hands, evidently drawing inspiration from the rendering of Adam’s creation in Michelangelo’s famous fresco in the Sistine Chapel. The image of three hands pointing towards each other, is an expression of the need for mankind to work together and feel related, as emphasized by the letters alpha and omega set in between. Running around the edge of the coin are the inscriptions NOVÉ TISÍCROČIE (New Millennium) and the Latin inscription TERTIO MILLENNIO (Third Millennium).

  • Coin details
    Designer:Patrik Kovačovský
    Material:Ag 999
    Weight:31.10 g (1 oz)
    Shape:a curved sided triangle
    Diameter:45 mm (described circle)
    Edge:plain
    Producer:Kremnica Mint (Slovak Republic)
    Engraver:Dalibor Schmidt
    Issuing volume:17,000
    of which 4,000 in proof quality
    Demonetized:400 in brilliant uncirculated quality (2006)