Starting 19 May 2006, the National Bank of Romania will launch in the series "The History of the Coin" a replica of the gold medal-coin minted under Constantin Brâncoveanu in 1713.
Characteristics of the medal-coin
- metal: gold;
- fineness: 900/1000;
- weight: 17.349 grams;
- shape: round;
- diameter: 34.7 mm;
- edge: smooth.
The obverse shows in the middle the right profile bust of Prince Constantin Brâncoveanu, who wears a fur hat adorned with a badge and a feather; over the embroidered coat, he wears a mantle hemstitched with ermine, pinned at his neck by a clasp made of precious stones.
On the outside, the inscription: • CONSTANTINVS • BASSARABA / DE • BRANKOWAN •. The replica issued by the National Bank of Romania features the letter <R> to be distinguished from the genuine medal-coin.
The reverse shows in the middle a pearled edge shield, adorned on sides with spiral-winded gryphons, and on top a princely crown. On the shield, an eagle with open wings and a cross in its beak, perched on a mountain top. Above the eagle, there are the sun on the left side and the moon on the right side, as well as the year of issue split in two, 17-13, below. The initials C and H of the engraver, Carl-Josef Hofman, are placed beneath the shield, between the ornaments.
On the outside, the inscription: • D : G : VOIVODA • ET • PRINCEPS • / • VALACHIAE • TRANS • ALPINAE •.
Each medal-coin is embedded in a transparent plastic capsule and is accompanied by an authentication certificate (in Romanian and English) bearing the signature of both the Governor and the Head Cashier, as well as by a leaflet.
The mintage of this numismatic issue is 250 coins. The price, not including VAT, is RON 1,625.
The gold medals-coins will be put into circulation through the branches of the National Bank of Romania located in Bucharest, Cluj-Napoca, Iaşi and Timişoara. They will be sold in adequate cases, with the NBR logo on the lid.