January’s birthstone, the garnet, is a beautiful red stone that symbolizes truth and faith. Legend has it that Noah used a garnet stone as a light on the ark. In Rome, in the third and fourth centuries, warriors would wear a garnet when they went into battle for protection. Ancient Egyptians wore garnets to protect against bad dreams. The different zodiac birthstone coin sets are the perfect gift for anyone born in January or those who want to expand their coin collection. Below we will highlight some of the sets that the Royal Canadian Mint has released over the years.
2011 $3 Birthstone Collection – January Garnet
This beautiful $3 silver coin has a garnet-toned Swarovski crystal set in the center of the coin amidst an engraving of the petals of a flower or the sun, depending on how you look at the coin. Garnets were popular in the Middle Ages and during the Victorian period. The crystal in this coin resembles a garnet, which is often praised for its healing powers. Keep it in its maroon clamshell case or transform it into a piece of jewellery that can be worn all year long as a reminder of its special symbolization.
2017 $3 Zodiac Series – Capricorn
The 2017 series of zodiac coins features the symbols of the zodiac rather than the birthstones. This $3 coin has two Swarovski crystals set in the center of the coin. They’re surrounded by the 12 symbols of the zodiac with a beautiful engraving to highlight the gems. The symbol for Capricorn kind of looks like the twisted horns of a goat. Capricorns are known for being trailblazers and visionaries. They work hard. This is the perfect unique gift idea for someone special that is a Capricorn and celebrates a January birthday.
2018 $5 Birthstone – January Fine Silver with Swarovski Crystal
The Royal Canadian Mint released several sets of zodiac coins. This $5 coin from 2018 features a kaleidoscope of patterns with a genuine Swarovski crystal that represents each month’s birthstone and its colour set in the center. This is a deeply meaningful gift with complex engraving on the coin for a special celebration for any January birth. Garnet is thought to be a symbol of love and friendship. It comes in a maroon clamshell with a black beauty box to keep it on display and safe from dirt and grime.
2020 $5 Birthstones Set: January Coin
This zodiac coin has a face value of $5, but it’s worth much more than that. It’s made of fine silver with four Swarovski® crystals embedded in the coin. Three are small, clear crystals that surround the fourth crystal which is set behind the bright red birthstone. The coin is engraved with a beautiful Celtic knot pattern. It is a piece that anyone will treasure, regardless of their birth month. The late Queen Elizabeth II’s effigy is on the obverse of the coin. It’s part of a series of coins featuring Chinese zodiac symbols.
Celebrate Birthdays with Zodiac Coins
Not everyone recognizes the power of the zodiac, but you don’t have to subscribe to the notions of astrology to appreciate the beauty of the zodiac coins that celebrate birthdays and birthstones. The garnet has been referred to in ancient literature as the symbol of life. Pieces of garnet jewellery have been found from the Bronze Age, 3300 BC to 1200 BC. Native Americans thought garnet protected against injury and poison.
Coin collecting is a great way to get someone interested in history and art. These Chinese zodiac coins are stunningly designed to be a showpiece of any coin collection. Collect all 12 coins from each collection to appreciate their beauty and symbolism. Colonial Acres Coins can help you find coins that interest any of your loved ones. Shop now to find a great gift that will be treasured for years to come.