Do you know Carmen?

Hi Hivers and coinlovers,

I wanted to start with saying that they have put Carmen on a coin but then realized that many of you might not know who is Carmen?

To be honest all I knew myself is that Carmen is an opera and Carmen is someones muze in that Opera. But with the coin comes some extra info about the lady.

Back to the year 1875 Paris:

It turns out that the story of the Opera Carmen - composed by Bizet - is based on a story of Prosper Merimee. First a play was made with it but the opera made the story famous. Bizet himself died after the 33rd performance which was before the global success of this opera.

Carmen, located in El Andaluz Spain, presents soldier Don José, seduced by a gypsywoman named Carmen. He leaves his girlfriend behind and falls for Carmen, who in her turn dumps him for a torero (olé). He kills her in a fit of rage. In summary that is it.

The Opera is not that good but is full of emotion.

As is the coin!

On this 2 ounce silver coin almost ready for sale you see the fiery gyspsy Carmen, her lover the Torero (aka toreador) and soldiers. A hilly Andalucian Pueblo finsihed the background.

Speaking of the back there is the Queenie again between the curtains. Still going strong although no longer in public.