Vatican City 2009 International Year of Astronomy

International Year of Astronomy

To commemorate Galileo’s seminal telescopic discoveries 400 years ago and the contribution of astronomy to understanding the universe and our place in it, UNESCO and the United Nations have officially proclaimed 2009 to be the International Year of Astronomy (IYA). The Year was declared by the 62nd General Assembly of the United Nations. A global scheme, laid out by the International Astronomical Union (IAU), was also endorsed by UNESCO, the UN body responsible for educational, scientific, and cultural matters.

This coin was issued on the occasion of the International Year of Astronomy. The inner part of the coin depicts an allegory of the birth of the stars and planets together with several astronomical instruments. The design is inspired by Michelangelo's frescoes in the Sistine Chapel. The coin’s outer ring bears the 12 stars of the European Union.

Weight - 8.5 g.

Quality - UNC (Uncirculated)

Diameter - 25.75 mm.
Composition - Bimetallic - nickel brass clad nickel center in copper-nickel ring
Circulation - 106'000 pcs.
Country of origin - Vatican City
Year of release - 2009