Obverse. Photo © CoinArchives
  • 5 Pounds 1994, Egypt, Pharaonic Treasure / Ancient Egyptian Art, Khonsu Temple
  • 5 Pounds 1994, Egypt, Pharaonic Treasure / Ancient Egyptian Art, Khonsu Temple
Description

The Temple of Khonsu is an ancient Egyptian temple. It is located within the large Precinct of Amun-Re at Karnak, in Luxor, Egypt. The edifice is an example of an almost complete New Kingdom temple and was originally constructed by Ramesses III on the site of an earlier temple. The gateway of this temple is at the end of the avenue of sphinxes that ran to the Luxor Temple. In Ptolemaic times, Ptolemy III Euergetes constructed a great gateway and enclosure wall for the temple; only the gateway now remains. Inscriptions inside the forecourt of the temple were made in the time of Herihor.

The hypostyle hall was erected by Nectanebo I and is not of great size; inside were found two baboons that appear to have been carved in the time of Seti I. It probably belonged to the earlier building on the site.

Numerous blocks with unmatching and inverted decorations can be seen, showing the amount of reconstruction and reuse of material from the surrounding temple complexes, especially in Ptolemaic times.

Obverse

Depicts the Peristyle Court of the Khonsu Temple decorated with the relief of Sacred cobras, the columns in the hall measured 7 m (the four central columns in the nave) and 5.5 m (the two rows of outer columns), the decoration of which was completed by the high priest of Amun, Herihor - 20th and 21st Dynasties.

Reverse

Stylized state name (Arab Republic of Egypt) divides denomination in Arabic and English and abbreviation of state name (A.R.E.) below, the date in Arabic (Hijri) and Western (Georgian) divides by a vulture with open wings. Engraver's initials (ECC) below.

In Ancient Egypt, the vulture hieroglyph was the uniliteral sign used for the glottal sound (/ɑː/). The bird was held sacred to Isis in ancient Egyptian religion. The use of the vulture as a symbol of royalty in Egyptian culture and their protection by Pharaonic law made the species common on the streets of Egypt and gave rise to the name "pharaoh's chicken".

5 ٥ جمهورية مصر العربية
LE جـ
A.R.E.
1415 1994 ECC ١٤١٥ ١٩٩٤

Edge
Characteristics
Type Commemorative Issue (Non-circulating)
Material Silver
Fineness 0.999
Weight 22.5 g
Diameter 37 mm
Thickness -
Shape round
Alignment Medal
Mint
Mexican Mint (Mo)

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