2021-05-03 Mon

Sun Day, sometimes referred to as World Sun Day or International Sun Day, is observed annually on May 3. It was established in 1978 by US President Jimmy Carter.

Sun Day was initiated by Denis Hayes, an American environmental advocate and proponent of solar power. Hayes was head of the Solar Energy Research Institute and came up with the idea of observing Sun Day modeled on Earth Day. President Carter officially established Sun Day in 1978 and in 1994 the observance became international.

Sun Day was created to promote solar power. The term “solar power” refers to the conversion of energy from sunlight into electricity. One of its main benefits is that it doesn't lead to any harmful emissions during operation. Sun Day also serves to remind us that the Sun is vital for life on Earth. Without its light and heat, our planet would be ice-cold and lifeless.

The above coin is a 1 Argentine Peso issued in the year 2013. The coin was to commemorate the Bicentenary of the First National Coin which was issued in the year 1813. The obverse of the coin depicts the reverse side of the 1813 coin Sun of May, a national emblem, depicted with a face, and with alternating 16 straight and 16 wavy rays along with the legend. The outer ring depicts the denomination, mirrored branches with years 1813 and 2013 below.

The reverse of the coin depicts the front of the 8 Escudos coin from 1813 with smaller arms consisting of 4 flags, 2 crossed cannons, and a drum at the base with the motto “In Unity and Freedom” above around it. The outer ring has the name of the country and the legend First Currency of the Fatherland at the bottom.

Image Courtesy: colnect.com