2004 Easter Lily Proof 50ct Gold-Plated***OUTER BOX DAMAGED***

From ancient artifacts to Roman mythology and the Bible, evidence of the lily's influence on the world's cultures can be traced back thousands of years.

During the Middle Ages, lily bulbs were a treasured delicacy in Asia and it was a species from southern Japan that became the Easter Lily that is now commonly seen throughout the world. Lilium longiflorum was first brought to Europe in 1684, but two hundred years would pass before it was introduced to North America. A missionary with an interest in botany was returning home from Japan with numerous specimens that he had collected. During a stopover in Bermuda, he proudly gave some to the Episcopal rector of a local parish. The conditions on the island were ideal and the lily flourished. Growing interest soon brought this flower to Philadelphia and its popularity spread throughout North America. With milky white flowers that naturally bloomed at Easter, it became known as the Easter Lily - and its regal display continues to inspire joy, life and hope to this day.