Cook Islands - Madonna of Bruges Shape

Coins are often referred to as miniature pieces of art in metal. This release called Madonna of Bruges certainly lives up to that description! Struck in 3 ounces of silver and then covered with gold, this piece of art pays tribute to Michelangelo’s sculpture of Mary and Jesus. Unlike many other sculptures and paintings that show her looking down upon an Infant, this sculpture is unique as it shows Mary showing sorrow for the future that Jesus must bear.

This moving sculpture is the Michelangelo’s only work that was removed outside of Italy during his life. In fact, it has been moved multiple times and the recovery efforts after WWII were a subject in a big budget Hollywood film called “The Monuments Men.” Whereas the original was sculpted out of one solid piece of marble, this piece of art has been minted out of 3 ounces of precious metal! Limited to only 501 pieces for the world!