Ivory Coast 1500 francs Quibla Kaaba Mecca Compass Muslims silver coin 2010

The key object of this coin series is the spoon-shaped magnet, which is a Chinese invention and dates back to the second century before Christ. The thin end of the spoon points to the south and was originally made out of magnetic iron ore. The magnet orients itself toward the North Pole.

On the coin the globe is symbolically subdivided into 36 segments. The position 0/36 for Mecca is represented by both minarets and the conventionalised Kaaba. On an enclosure several cities are listed with a number. Who then wants to locate the position of Mecca must turn the set until the thin end of the spoon points to the corresponding number. The minarets then indicate in which direction Mecca lies.

This set is especially suitable as a gift to express ones appreciation towards the receiver. It is not essential to take the set on journeys. It also does its service on a desk or shelf – it shows in which direction Mecca lies.