2015 - Niue 1 NZD Silver Coin Saffron Carpathian - Proof

Carpathian Saffron, Crocus heuffelianus in Latin, belongs to the wildly growing representatives of its kind, and its beautiful flowers can be found on the territory of the Czech Republic, specifically in the Beskid Mountains, where it apparently gone wild. It is a plant of the Carpathian meadows, whose origin is probably in the Slovak Republic and Poland. The Czech Mint incorporated this exceptional flower in the popular series of Endangered Nature, and extended it by another fresh work of art.

Striking, bright purple flowers appear immediately after the spring thaw, and their occurrence in the snow is not exception. They bloom from March to April, in the colder mountainous areas even until June. It is a long-life plant - surving winter in the form of underground tubers. Leaves of Carpathian Saffron grow to full size after they lose their blossom, they are narrow and have a distinctive white stripe. The fruit of the plant is a capsule with three casings with round seeds. If you would like to see saffron with your own eyes, you will need to set out in wet meadows and forests of the Beskid Mountains and hope you will be lucky. Carpathian Saffron, or Heuffel Saffron, is unfortunately a rare and critically endangered species of flora in the Czech Republic.

The Czech Mint reminds the inimitable charm reminiscent of Carpathian Saffron witht the attractive realization of silver coin 1 NZD, which complements popular collector`s series of Endengared Nature. The author of the coin is an excellent medallist MA. Martin Dašek. The reverse side features two coloured flowers of Carpathian Saffron and hits Czech and Latin name. The obverse side bears a tasteful composition of issuer`s attributes and small flowers. This attractive medal is a wonderful addition to your collection, and it also represents a message of our nature, which is slowly saying goodbye to one of her extraordinary ornaments. The issue is limited to 1,000 pieces. Enjoy yourself or your loved ones with an original and valuable gift!