Second in the Historical Monuments series, this spectacular 5 oz silver coin celebrates the Temple of Heaven, widely considered a crowning achievement of traditional Chinese architecture. Issued by the Cook Islands with a $25 face value, the coin features a unique flat bottom edge, an Antique Finish, and dramatic Ultra High Relief powered by smartminting® technology. The reverse showcases a detailed depiction of Beijing's Temple of Heaven, while the obverse depicts its rear facade.

The Temple of Heaven
Construction of the Temple of Heaven in Beijing began in 1402 and reached completion in 1420 alongside the Forbidden City. Resting upon a three-tiered marble foundation, this architectural marvel was constructed entirely of wood without a single nail. The temple is anchored by its most iconic structure: the Hall of Prayer for Good Harvests. Emperors of the Ming and Qing dynasties gathered within its grand hall to make sacred offerings and pray for abundant harvests. Although a lightning strike destroyed the original complex in 1889, it was faithfully rebuilt a few years later, restoring the magnificent landmark to its original splendor.