Obverse. Photo © NumisCorner.com
  • 10 Diners 1994, KM# 97, Andorra, Joan Martí i Alanis, Accession of Andorra to UN
  • 10 Diners 1994, KM# 97, Andorra, Joan Martí i Alanis, Accession of Andorra to UN
Description

Established on 24 October 1945 in the aftermath of World War II, the United Nations (UN) serves as an intergovernmental organization dedicated to fostering international cooperation and upholding global order. With origins as a successor to the League of Nations, the UN emerged with the primary goal of preventing future conflicts. Initially comprised of 51 member states, its membership has since expanded to 193 nations. Headquartered in Manhattan, New York City, the UN operates with extraterritoriality, maintaining key offices in Geneva, Nairobi, and Vienna. Funding is sourced from both assessed and voluntary contributions from member states. Key objectives encompass the preservation of international peace and security, the promotion of human rights, advancement of social and economic development, environmental protection, and provision of humanitarian aid in times of crisis. Renowned as the largest, most globally recognized, and influential intergovernmental organization, the UN plays a pivotal role in addressing global challenges.

Andorra's accession to the United Nations was a significant milestone in its diplomatic journey. After decades of independent existence and diplomatic engagement with various nations, Andorra formally applied for UN membership in 1993, a process supported by Spain and France, who had historically shared responsibilities for Andorra's foreign affairs. With unanimous approval from the UN General Assembly in 1993, Andorra became the 184th member state, marking its integration into the global community and reinforcing its commitment to international cooperation and diplomacy. This step not only enhanced Andorra's standing on the world stage but also opened avenues for greater participation in global initiatives aimed at promoting peace, security, and sustainable development.

Obverse

Depicts the crowned coat of arms of Andorra on the left and the denomination on the right with lettering around the edge.

The coat of arms of Andorra is the heraldic device consisting of a shield divided quarterly by the arms of the Bishop of Urgell (top left) and the Count of Foix (top right) – who have historically been the two co-princes of Andorra – in addition to the emblems of Catalonia (bottom left) and the Viscount of Béarn (bottom right).

"Joan D.M. Bisbe d'Urgell i Príncep d'Andorra" is a Catalan phrase that translates to "Joan D.M., Bishop of Urgell and Prince of Andorra" in English. This title indicates that Joan D.M. holds the positions of both the Bishop of Urgell and the Prince of Andorra. Historically, the Bishop of Urgell has been one of the co-princes of Andorra, along with the President of France.

Joan Martí i Alanis (1928–2009) served as the Bishop of Urgell and consequently as the co-Prince of Andorra. Holding the position of Bishop from 1971 to 2003, he played a significant role in shaping Andorra's modern governance by co-signing its new constitution alongside François Mitterrand in 1993.

The European Currency Unit (ECU) was the monetary unit used by the European Monetary System (EMS) before being replaced by the euro. The ECU was introduced in 1979 and replaced by the euro in 1999. It was a composite of 12 European Union member countries.

JOAN D.M.BISBE D'URGELL I PRINCEP D'ANDORRA ·
10
DINERS
1994
ECU

Reverse

Depicts a woman kneeling, her left hand on a globe, the logo of the United Nations in the background, and the inscription "Andorra joins the UN in 1993".

The emblem of the United Nations Organization depicts a map of the world representing an azimuthal equidistant projection centred on the North Pole, inscribed in a wreath consisting of crossed conventionalized branches of the olive tree. The projection of the map extends to 60 degrees south latitude, and includes five concentric circles. The olive branches are a symbol for peace, and the world map represents all the people and the countries of the world.

ANDORRA INGRESSA
A L'O.N.U.
1993

Edge
Characteristics
Type Commemorative Issue (Non-circulating)
Material Silver
Fineness 0.925
Weight 31.47 g
Diameter 38 mm
Thickness 3 mm
Shape round
Alignment Coin
Mint
Royal Mint

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