Lot 2036

Description

Romania, proof of the pattern one hundred lei, 1998, crown size issue struck in sterling silver (0.925 fine), commemorating 1998 Winter Olympics at Nagano, obv. arms of Romania, rev. skier, speed skater, figure skater, hockey players, plain edge, stamped 100 Lei on edge, (KM.-). Brilliant FDC. (4)

These Nagano Winter Olympics patterns are very interesting. The Romanian State Mint produced in the Autumn of 1997 in anticipation of the 1998 Nagano Winter Olympic Games, a series of pattern coins, designed by the Mint engraver Mr. Gabor. However he made a mistake in the legend and placed the numerals XIX instead of XVIII for the Winter Olympics number. All patterns produced were all bought by one person privately, with all the types and metals being present in this and the next four lots. The National Bank of Romania does not allow the '100 Lei' denomination to be placed on the obverse (shield) design and consequently has been placed on the edge. The design and dimensions are identical except for the correction to the intended 100 lei commemorative coinage.