2023 - Niue 80 NZD Silver One-Kilo Coin Czech Lion with Citrine Stones - Standard

Czech Lion 2023 with Citrines

The Czech Mint issued a unique edition of bullion coins entitled Czech Lion, which is minted from one kilogram of pure silver and covered with precious stones. Citrines, which complement the embossed relief, are placed on the coin to evoke the stones of the St. Wenceslas Crown.

Citrine is a uniquely coloured mineral. It is lemon yellow as its name, which comes from the Latin word citrinus, suggests. It is very rare in nature and therefore it is much more valuable than amethyst, rose quartz, crystal or other types of quartz. No wonder people have sought it out for thousands of years.

Ancient Egyptians worshipped citrine as a sunstone - a gift from the god Re that would bring them longevity - and set it in badges of power. According to Chinese legends, citrine is a stone of success and wisdom that sharpens the intellect, and Chinese students still rely on it during challenging exams. Citrine was believed to protect against disease, nightmares and evil intentions in ancient Greece, and medieval mystics were also convinced of its beneficial effects on the human body and soul. Citrine adorned weapons in Scotland, therefore, it used to be called a light in battle. Citrine is also considered the stone of merchants, attracting abundance, wealth and fortune - just put it in your pocket, safe or money box.

There are very few genuine citrines - they are a rare commodity and counterfeits in most cases. Deposits of the rare mineral can be found all over the world, but are not commonly found in Europe. It has only recently been discovered that citrine can be found on the border of Moravia and Bohemia…

The reverse side of the coin is dominated by a Czech lion in an unusually realistic rendering, guarding the St. Wenceslas Crown. The obverse side presents lime branches and an eagle, which is a synthesis of the St. Wenceslas, Moravian and Silesian birds of prey. The author of the relief is traditionally the medal maker Asamat Baltaev, DiS. As the coins of the Czech Mint are issued with the licence of a foreign issuer, which is the island of Niue, their obverse side bears its necessary elements - the national emblem, the nominal value of 80 DOLLARS (NZD) and the year of issue 2023.

The coin, which has an issue limit of only 50 pieces, is stored in a luxurious wooden box. The authenticity of the citrines is attested by a certificate issued by Granát Turnov, which is an integral part of the packaging.