2014 - Niue 2 NZD Trans-Siberian Railway Egg - Proof

Trans-Siberian Railway Egg - Series: Imperial Fabergé Eggs

The coin dedicated to the one of the most precious jewellery masterpieces – an exceptional item in each collection!

The Mint of Poland presents the “Trans-Siberian Railway Egg” coin released in the series commemorating famous eggs made in a workshop of a world-renowned Russian jeweller, Peter Carl Fabergé. This little pieces of art, which were designed to Russian tsars’ orders, have been a symbol of extravagance and splendor for over 100 years.

• coin of the awe-inspiring “Imperial Fabergé Eggs” collection
• its coin and packaging design characteristic for the 19th century
• sterling silver of .925 purity
• weight of 56.56 grams
• selective gold plating with the use of the most modern machines
• exceptional, ellipse-shaped design
• attractive presentation case embellished with a gold ornament

Obverse:
At the bottom – open „Spring Flowers Egg” (1899-1903) with a miniature basket and a bouquet of anemones. Above the basket – the effigy of Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth II with an inscription:  ELIZABETH II and the mint mark (m/w). Around – a decorative, neo-rococo ornament. Along the rim – the issuer’s name: NIUE ISLAND, the face value: 2 DOLLARS, the hallmark (Ag 925) and the year of issue – 2014.

Reverse:
In the foreground – an image of the Trans-Siberian Railway Egg with 24-carat gold plated elements
of its basis and top. Below – an image of a gold train and an inscription: FABERGÉ EGGS. In the background of the central part of the coin – an outline of a map of Russia. Along the upper rim of the coin – an inscription: TRANS-SIBERIAN. In the background of the upper part of the coin –
a decorative surface stylized to look as a palace curtain.

Design:
Beata Kulesza-Damaziak

The Trans-Siberian Railway Egg was an Easter gift from the last Tsar of Russia, Nicholas II, to his wife Tsarina Alexandra Fyodorovna. The inspiration for this coin made in 1900 was a spectacular event of building the Trans-Siberian Railway connecting the European part of Russia with Vladivostok. The interior of the egg reveals a miniature replica of a steam locomotive and five carriages. Not only is the whole train a charming piece of jewellery art, but also a mechanical working model wound up with a gold key. The Trans-Siberian Railway Egg is housed in one of the oldest Moscow museums – the Kremlin Armoury.