2020-06-29 Mon

Four 2020 coins from the African nation of Chad are the first legal tender coins specifically issued to memorialize the COVID-19 pandemic. Numerous medals and rounds were issued previous to Chad’s coinage, and some legal tender coins have been stickered with images topical to the global event, but Chad’s are the first legal tender releases with a design struck in them.

Derived from the Latin word corona, meaning “crown” or “halo,” coronaviruses – like SARS-CoV-2, which causes COVID-19 – are named after the characteristic crown-like protein spikes surrounding the virus particles. The 1-ounce silver coins are being produced.

Each of the four designs (“Pandemic,” “Outbreak,” “Mutation” and “Quarantine”) features a colorized representation of SARS-CoV-2. The coins are struck in high relief, rising 1.5 millimeters above the reverse designs, while the common obverse depicts Chad’s coat of arms. Each 2020-dated one-ounce Fine silver coin carries a denomination of 5,000 Central African francs.

Image Courtesy: canadiancoinnews.com