Description

In January 1964, Pope Paul VI commenced his journey to the homeland of Jesus, where he shared a significant embrace with the Patriarch of Constantinople, Athenagoras. Departing from Rome on January 4, 1964, Paul VI headed towards Amman, where he received a warm welcome from King Hussein of Jordan. During the reception, King Hussein presented the Pope with a plaque crafted from olive wood sourced from the Garden of Gethsemane. In the brief yet poignant ceremony, the King expressed his gratitude to the Pope for gracing Jordan with his presence. Paul VI, in turn, conveyed a message of peace, stating, “Whoever wants to love life and live happily must steer clear of evil and do good; they must seek peace and pursue it.” The motorcade then traversed the 100-kilometer distance separating Amman from Jerusalem, with the king following in his private jet.

Hussein bin Talal (1935–1999) was King of Jordan from the abdication of his father, King Talal, in 1952, until his death. Hussein's rule extended through the Cold War and four decades of Arab–Israeli conflict.

Obverse

Depicts a bust of Hussein bin Talal, encircled by the inscriptions "Hussein bin Talal" and "King of the Hashemite Kingdom of Jordan," with the denomination written in Arabic numerals and letters, along with the date in Hijri format below. Positioned above is the coat of arms of Jordan.

The coat of arms of the Hashemite Kingdom of Jordan features the Royal Hashemite Crown, symbolizing monarchy, adorned with lotus flowers atop a crimson sash representing purity and sacrifice. Two flags symbolize the Great Arab Revolt, while an eagle stands on the globe, signifying power and the emergence of Islamic civilization. Arab weaponry, including swords and spears, is depicted alongside a shield adorned with a chrysanthemum motif, representing defense. Wheat ears and a palm frond encircle the shield, connected to the ribbon of the Al Nahda First Order Medal, which bears inscriptions honoring historical figures and the kingdom's sovereignty.

الحسين بن طلال
المملكة الأردنية الهاشمية
١٠
عشرة دنانير
١٣٨٩

Reverse

Depicts a portrait of Pop Paul VI in front of a general view of Gethsemane Church enclosed within a circle, featuring an inscription below, the date of visit and his name above, while the country name appears above it. The denomination, expressed in English numerals and letters, along with the date in the Gregorian calendar, is positioned below the design. Metal purity is positioned above on the left.

Gethsemane Church, part of the Lutheran Northern Prenzlauer Berg Evangelical Congregation, stands as a notable landmark in Berlin's Prenzlauer Berg district. Named after the Garden of Gethsemane in Jerusalem, it holds significance as a place of prayer for Jesus and the Twelve Apostles before his crucifixion. Constructed between 1891 and 1893 under the guidance of August Orth, the church played a pivotal role in the peaceful revolution of East Germany in 1989. It is affiliated with the Evangelical Church of Berlin-Brandenburg-Silesian Upper Lusatia, encompassing various Protestant Calvinist denominations.

Pope Paul VI (Latin: Paulus VI; 1897–1978) was head of the Catholic Church and sovereign of the Vatican City State from 21 June 1963 to his death in August 1978. Succeeding John XXIII, he continued the Second Vatican Council, which he closed in 1965, implementing its numerous reforms. He fostered improved ecumenical relations with Eastern Orthodox and Protestant churches, which resulted in many historic meetings and agreements. In January 1964, he flew to Jordan, the first time a reigning pontiff had left Italy in more than a century.

THE HASHEMITE KINGDOM OF JORDAN
900
5•1•64 PAUL VI IN JERUSALEM
GETHSEMANE CHURCH
TEN 10 1969
DINARS

Edge

10 Dinars

Visit of Pope Paul VI

KM# 26 Schön# 25
Characteristics
Type Commemorative Issue (Non-circulating)
Material Gold
Fineness 0.900
Weight 27.64 g
Diameter 40 mm
Thickness -
Shape round
Alignment Coin
Alt # KM# PS3, KM# PS4, KM# PS6
Mint
Royal Mint

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