ESPERANTISTS’ COINS

Press, Volume C, Issue 29504, 4 May 1961, Page 17

ESPERANTISTS’ COINS

Use Throughout World

New international coins developed by the Universal League of Esperantists in the Netherlands and being used by members of the league throughout the world, have been received in Christchurch by Mr Lincoln Efford. secretary of the Workers’ Education Association, lecturer in Esperanto for the association, and a member of the Esperantists’ League. The coins produced in the Netherlands State Mint are in denominations of one, five, 10. etc., based on the decimal

coinage scale current in most parts of the world. Termed steloj (pronounced “stelloi”). they are roughly equivalent in size and value to both the New Zealand and Dutch silver coins, 100 steloj equalling approximately 2s or one Dutch guilder. The smallest coin is in brass with an engraving of the globe on the back, and the 10 stelloj piece is backed with an engraving of Dr. Zamenhof, the founder of Esoeranto. On the face of each coin is a shield featuring the Esperanto five-point star to represent the five continents of the world. Although dated 1959 during the anniversary year of the foundation of Esperanto by Dr. Zamenhof, the coins did not become available till 1960 Already they have been unanimously accepted at an international conference of Esperantists and are also being accepted by the Bank of Holland. ,