It is the third day of our advent countdown and the coin behind the door today was a centavo coin from the Asian nation of Timor-Leste.
Timor-Leste (formerly known as East Timor) is a relatively new country in the world gaining it’s independence in 2002 from Indonesia and becoming the worlds first sovereign state of the 21st century. Originally colonised by Portugal in the 16th century it was known as Portuguese Timor until it declared it’s independence from Portugal in 1975. Nine days after this declaration, Indonesian troops invaded the territory and declared it to be the new 27th province of Indonesia. The next 20 years would be characterised by violence between those who wanted independence and the Indonesian government, until through work conducted by the UN sponsored act of self-determination the situation was de-escalated in 1999.
On the obverse of the coin itself is an image of a nautilus. A marine creature often indigenous to the Indo-Pacific seas which Timor-Leste finds itself in. On the Reverse, below the value of the coin, is a representation of a Kaibuk. A Kaibuk is a type of head dress native to those who are indigenous to the islands of Timor and traditionally made from solid silver. It shape is to represent the horns of the water buffalo, an animal important to the daily lives of those who live on the islands. The buffalo horns is often used as a symbol by the people of Timor-Leste as they represent strength, security, and protection.
Finally, around the edge of the reverse is a pattern bordering the coins value and the Kaibuk. This pattern is called Tais and is a traditional design used in weavings throughout the Timor islands, and is seen as an essential part of the peoples cultural heritage. It is used from ceremonial garments, signs of respect, and appreciation towards guests, family, and friends. The Catholic Church within Timor-Leste has adopted the use of the pattern within religious ceremonies on the islands, as Timor-Leste is one of only two Christian majority countries in Asia. The other being the Philippines.
Numismatic Exploits 