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A Force of Nature Embodied in a Coin: CIT’s Lost City – Pompeii

CIT has captured the dramatic eruption of Mount Vesuvius in the year 79 with a three-dimensional representation. True to scale, and thanks to smartminting® in every detail, we see erupting Vesuvius. Depicted with an impressive relief almost 10 mm high, the volcano is pouring its lava over the buildings of the city of Pompeii. CIT offers a 3D model of the city that will fascinate any observer due to its incredible attention to detail. Take a closer look: gladiators are still fighting in the amphitheater.

 A force of nature embodied in a coin: Mount Vesuvius.

A force of nature embodied in a coin: Mount Vesuvius.

Description of the Coin

One side depicts Mount Vesuvius erupting and burying the city of Pompeii with lava and ash, the buildings of which are reproduced true to scale.

The other side depicts the portrait of Charles III by Dan Thorne (initials DT); around it 20 DOLLARS / Charles III / COOK ISLANDS / 2025.

Cook Islands / 20 Dollars 2025 / Silver .9999 / 3 oz / 45 mm / Proof / Mintage: 499 / Special technology: smartminting®, coloring. Minted by B. H. Mayer’s Kunstprägeanstalt, Munich.

Cook Islands / 20 Dollars 2025 / Silver .9999 / 3 oz / 45 mm / Proof / Mintage: 499 / Special technology: smartminting®, coloring. Minted by B. H. Mayer’s Kunstprägeanstalt, Munich.

Background

It is August 24, 79 AD. From the safety of Misenum, eighteen-year-old Pliny sees a large cloud appear in the sky. It resembles a pine tree and comes from Mount Vesuvius. At this point, young Pliny is unaware that people in neighboring Pompeii are fighting for their lives. His uncle, a famous scientist at the time, would die while documenting the events. He is just one of the many who initially underestimated the danger. They are asphyxiated by the gases of Vesuvius, crushed by rocks and covered with ash before the lava buries Pompeii as a whole. Scenes of desperation unfolded that can still be seen today.

 Pompeii's ruins today. Mount Vesuvius looms in the background. Photo by Michael Swanson / Pixabay

Pompeii’s ruins today. Mount Vesuvius looms in the background. Photo by Michael Swanson / Pixabay

With Lost City – Pompeii, CIT appeals to a worldwide audience of ancient history and archaeology enthusiasts. So do not hesitate to order the coin! Only 499 specimens were produced.

If you want to experience all three dimensions of this coin, you have to watch the corresponding film:

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