COOK ISLANDS, $5, VATICAN ART - THE PIETA, SWAROVSKI IN SOUTH AFRICA

Cook Islands, $5, Vatican Art - The Pieta, Swarovski crystal, silver coin, 2009 Edition Technical Specs Presentation Country:   Cook Island Metal Purity:    ¿Silver 0.999 Box:   Yes Year of Issue:   2009 Weight:   25 g CoA:   Yes Face Value:   5 dollars Dimensions:   30 x 40     Quality:   Proof     Mintage:   5,000   New coin with capsule, CoA and box The Piet? (1498¿1499) is a masterpiece of Renaissance sculpture by Michelangelo Buonarroti, housed in St. Peter¿s Basilica in Vatican City. It is the first of a number of works of the same theme by the artist. The statue was commissioned for the French cardinal Jean de Billheres, who was a representative in Rome. The statue was made for the cardinal¿s funeral monument, but was moved to its current location, the first chapel on the right as one enters the basilica, in the 18th century. It is the only piece Michelangelo ever signed. ____________________________________________________  Feel free to e-mail me with any questions.