- Mintage Limit - 2000
- WINDOWS OF HEAVEN Bethelehem Silver Coin
- Coin in capsule+with Certificate of Authenticity+BOX
This is the sixth in a series called Windows of Heaven, featuring stained glass inserts from famous churches and cathedrals around the world. Held up against the light, the window will become translucent and show the intricate design.
The Church of St. Catherine is a Catholic church in Manger Square, Bethlehem, which is physically connected to the Church of the Nativity. There’s a story that the Church of the Nativity was spared from destruction when, in the 7th century, invading Persian soldiers noticed a mural depicting the visit by the Three Magi to the Christ child. This communicated the message that the significance of Christmas transcended cultures. Like the wise men from the east, the invading army showed a special respect for this holy place. They prayed and left in peace.
Located on the site of Christ's appearance to St. Catherine of Alexandria and his prediction of her martyrdom, St. Catherine's church was built in 1882 on the ruins of the 12th century Augustinian Crusader church. Traces of a 5th-century monastery associated with St. Jerome also exists here. Under the church is a complex system of caves and rock chambers, where St. Jerome is believed to have translated the Bible from Hebrew and Greek into Latin. A short passage from one of the chambers leads into the Grotto of the Nativity. The Church of St Catherine features many stained glass window with religious scenes, most famously the Adoration of the Magi (wise men) nativity scene, which is visible from both sides of this coin. The Three Wise Men came here to the humble manger, to worship the little baby Jesus and give him precious gifts of gold, frankincense and myrrh. The reverse also features an image of the structure seen from the outside, its name as an inscription, as well as a floor plan. The obverse features the effigy of Queen Elizabeth II. The coin is delivered encapsulated in a frame with a Certificate of Authenticity.