Numismatic

2025 France 1/4 oz Gold Proof UNESCO (Shuri Castle)

---

This exquisite modern gold coin from France, minted in 2025, celebrates the architectural and cultural legacy of Shuri Castle in Okinawa. Struck with a purity of 99.9 percent gold and containing one quarter of a troy ounce of precious metal, this proof-quality piece is certified by the Monnaie de Paris. The coin belongs to a limited release, with a total mintage of only 1,000 pieces worldwide. The obverse side presents a striking juxtaposition of portraiture and architecture. It portrays a woman dressed in the elegant, traditional court attire and headdress of the Ryükyú Kingdom. Alongside her portrait, the design offers both a detailed and a schematic rendering of Shuri Castle itself. This historic fortress, originally constructed during the closing years of the 14th century, served as the grand royal residence for the Ryükyú monarchs from the 15th century through the 19th century. Over its long existence, the castle has endured multiple destructions by fire and conflict, rising rebuilt each time. On the reverse, the coin shares a universal design common to the 2020 UNESCO series. It displays a globe surrounded by stones inscribed with various world heritage landmarks. This side features the face value of 50 Euro and includes inscriptions pointing to global treasures such as the Alhambra, Mont-Saint-Michel, and the Cathedral of Aachen, emphasizing a shared global heritage.