The polar regions have an extraordinary meaning for humans. The poles are the gene pools of living organisms and the reserves of natural resources. Through polar scientific expeditions, we are able to predict the evolution of the climate and environment. Therefore, researching, developing, and protecting the polar regions is one of the important topics in the world today.
On April 17, 2024, the People's Bank of China issued gold and silver commemorative coins for China's polar scientific expedition, remembering the great feat of China's polar scientific expedition and presenting a unique polar appearance and advanced polar equipment. In the past, this kind of commemorative coins were mainly concentrated in aerospace, major engineering construction and other themes. It is different from the large number of precious metal commemorative coins with the theme of construction achievements that have been issued. The gold and silver commemorative coins of China's polar scientific expedition have created a new theme of construction achievements, which is worthy of collection and appreciation.
The issuance of gold and silver commemorative coins for China's polar scientific expedition not only makes up for the gap of China's precious metal commemorative coins in the theme of marine scientific research and polar governance, but also helps the public understand the great value and extraordinary achievements of China's polar scientific expedition, shows the silent efforts of the polar scientific expedition team, and demonstrates China's strength and has strong social significance.
Today and in the next few days, let's first go through the Polar Expedition 30-gram silver coin discovery tour series, focusing on the event context, exquisite design, fantasy color, and novel craftsmanship of the polar expedition 30-gram silver coin, to give you a "hearty expression".
In December 1984, with the first landing of the Chinese Antarctic expedition on King George Island, the first five-star red flag was raised in the cold wind of Antarctica, and a new chapter in Chinese exploration of the polar regions began. Over the past 40 years, the mainland has built five Antarctic research stations, including the Changcheng Station, and two Arctic research stations, including the Yellow River Station.
The 30-gram silver coin reflects the scene of the North Pole, so let's just talk about the North Pole here. The Arctic has a unique natural environment and abundant resources, and most of the sea area is covered by ice all year round. In recent decades, the Arctic natural environment has changed dramatically as temperatures in the Arctic region have risen. In the geopolitical, economic, ecological and environmental fields, the mainland is an important stakeholder in Arctic affairs. As early as 1925, China acceded to the Treaty of Spitsbergen and formally entered the Arctic (this part will be clarified in the following articles). In 1996, China became a member of the International Arctic Scientific Committee. Since 1999, China has successfully conducted a number of scientific expeditions to the Arctic.
The reverse of the 30-gram coin shows a partial outline of the Arctic map and accurately marks the locations of China's two Arctic research stations. The aurora danced in the sky, and the polar research ship "Snow Dragon 2" broke through the ice and moved forward. In the distance, a family of polar bears is seen, and in the close-up view, the work of the Chinese polar expedition is showing ice core sampling. These elements clearly express a series of achievements of China's scientific expeditions to the Arctic and demonstrate China's scientific and technological strength.