Gold Coin Versailles 2022 Proof

Versailles, Temple of Love - 100 g

This unique gold coin, issued by the State of Solomon Islands in 2022 in 99.9% gold purity and weighing 100 g in top quality Reverse Proof, is dedicated to the unique architectural structure located in the extensive park of the Palace of Versailles.

The reverse of the coin depicts the finely crafted dome of the neoclassical Temple of Love with the statue of Cupid. The motif is created in four layers of embossing at different depths using an innovative coinage technique that creates a perfect three-dimensional effect. The motif is complemented by the inscription "Versailles" and the year of issue "2022".
The Temple of Love in Versailles is located on an artificial island in the chateau park, which has been a UNESCO World Heritage Site since 1979. It was built by the court architect Richard Miquem in 1778 during the reign of Louis XVI at the request of Marie Antoinette. The location of the temple was chosen in view of the view from the Queen's bedroom of her private chateau, the Petit Trianon, where, according to legend, the Queen sought an escape from the formality of the royal court and where she found the peace and solitude she craved.
The Temple of Love is a small, open, circular pavilion entered by seven steps to a marble-lined landing surrounded by 12 Corinthian columns supporting a white marble dome. The inside of the dome, including the capitals, columns, rosettes and carved cartridges, is the work of the sculptor Joseph Deschamps and consists of the attributes of love. The top measures about two metres in diameter and contains a quiver and arrows tied with ribbons, interwoven and decorated with roses and olive branches. The entire central composition is surrounded by one hundred and twenty rosettes arranged in five rows.
In the centre of the pavilion stands a statue of Cupid carved from a single block of marble. The winged god of love is making a bow from a kite he stole from Heracles. Sculptor Edme Bouchardon captures Cupid smiling visibly at the bow's purpose - to shoot arrows into the hearts of lovers. The sculpture is a copy of the original from 1750 during the reign of Louis XV. It was a controversial work in its day for its Neanderthal depiction and its connection to the scandalous affair between Louis XV and Madame de Pompadour. Placed in Heracles' salon, whose decoration celebrated the famous exploits of the Greek hero, it became an allegory of the king's relationship with the French monarchy.

The obverse depicts a traditional portrait of Queen Elizabeth II by Ian-Rank Broadley, surrounded by the inscriptions "ELIZABETH II", "SOLOMON ISLANDS", weight "100g", face value "50 DOLLARS" and fineness "Au999".

The coin comes in its original gift box along with a numbered certificate of authenticity, in an extremely limited mintage of only 49 pieces for the entire world!

This product is part of the following product sets: