2017 - Niue 50 $ Venice: Ponte dei Sospiri Gold - Proof

Ponte dei Sospiri Gold Coin, by Canaletto, 50 Dollars 2017, Series: SOS. Venice – End or Beginning?

DISAPPEARING PEARL OF THE ADRIATIC COMMEMORATED IN PURE GOLD

The impressive architecture of the city has always been a source of inspiration for the great Italian painters. The seventh coin from the series “S.O.S. Venice – End or Beginning?” features the Bridge of Sighs, one of most famous landmarks of Venice. Although today couples kiss under its arch while drifting along the Rio di Palazzo canal, the history behind the bridge is not as sentimental as its poetic name would indicate. built in 1614, Ponte dei Sospiri links the Doge’s Palace to the building of the New Prisons. A legend coined by Romantic poets says that the bridge has got its name from the sighs exhaled by the prisoners crossing it, as they caught their last glimpse of beautiful Venice through the stone-barred windows. Featured in high relief, the image of the bridge frames the cityscape by Canaletto imprinted on the coin’s surface with the use of high-end digital printing.

• great gift idea for all art lovers and admirers of beautiful Venice!
• commemorative and artistic value – interesting design alluding to Venetian Gothic
• Venice landmarks shown through the prism of paintings by Canaletto and Francesco Guardi
• minted in .999 sterling silver and .999.9 sterling gold
• limited mintage

The coin “Ponte dei Sospiri” is available in two versions. The first coin with face value of 2 New Zealand dollars was struck in fine silver with the use of high-relief minting technology, what additionally increased its artistic value. The second coin with nominal value of 50 New Zealand dollars was minted in 999.9 sterling gold. Very low mintage – only 40 pcs – confirms its uniqueness! If you want to add it to your collection, do not hesitate!