| Obverse description |
Within the circular geometric ornament – the relief of the State Coat of Arms of the Republic of Belarus; beneath – year of issue; inscriptions along the rim – at the top: `РЭСПУБЛIКА БЕЛАРУСЬ` (REPUBLIC OF BELARUS), at the bottom: `АД3IН РУБЕЛЬ` (ONE ROUBLE). |
| Obverse script |
Cyrillic |
| Obverse lettering |
РЭСПУБЛIКА БЕЛАРУСЬ 1998 АД3IН РУБЕЛЬ |
| Reverse description |
In the center – the relief effigy of the Castle of Mir; a plate in the shape of an ancient seal features the date, at the top – inscription in three lines: `ПОМНIКI АРХIТЭКТУРЫ БЕЛАРУСI` (BELARUSIAN ARCHITECTURAL MONUMENTS), at the bottom – inscription: `MIPCKI 3AMAK` (THE CASTLE OF MIR) |
| Reverse script |
Cyrillic |
| Reverse lettering |
ПОМНIКI АРХIТЭКТУРЫ БЕЛАРУСI MIPCKI 3AMAK XVI–XVIII |
| Edge |
Reeded |
| Mint |
|
| Mintage |
1998 - Prooflike - 2 000
|
| Numisquare ID |
3647061310 |
Historical Context: Issued in 1998, this 1 Rouble coin reflects Belarus's post-Soviet nation-building under President Alexander Lukashenka. Following independence in 1991, the nation sought to define its cultural heritage. The selection of the Castle of Mir, a UNESCO World Heritage site, underscores its profound significance as a symbol of Belarusian history, architectural prowess, and resilience, anchoring the new state to its deep historical roots.
Artistry: The coin exemplifies a post-Soviet realist style, emphasizing clear, recognizable depictions. The reverse masterfully portrays the Castle of Mir, capturing its distinctive Gothic, Renaissance, and Baroque architectural elements. The design highlights the castle's fortified walls, prominent towers, and intricate rooflines, conveying its grandeur. The obverse features the national emblem of Belarus, comprising a sun, map, and wheat sheaves, signifying national prosperity and agricultural heritage.
Technical/Grading: Struck in copper-nickel, 32 mm in diameter and 13.16 grams, this coin typically exhibits a robust strike. Key high-points for grading include the intricate details of the castle's turrets, battlements, and windows on the reverse. On the obverse, attention should be paid to the fine lines within the national emblem and its agricultural motifs. Well-preserved examples will show full separation of these design elements, particularly in the roof details and the definition of the castle walls, with minimal weakness in the central relief.