2022 - Niue 1 NZD Silver Coin Dog Breeds - Schnauzer - Proof

Dog Breeds

The eighth silver coin of the Czech Mint from the Dog Breeds series is dedicated to schnauzers.

The Schnauzer used to be a versatile working breed. The medium-sized, robust dog with thick eyebrows and a distinctive moustache, which gave it its name, served mainly peasants. He hunted mice and rats, but he was not afraid of bigger pests - he also defended stables and barns from unwary thieves. In the 19th century, he could therefore be found on every farm in southern Germany, the original home of the breed. The shrill bark of the courageous and reliable "stable pinscher" was also useful to the forman, for urging on tired sledges or guarding passengers. The hardy dog accompanied carriages on long journeys and protected them from being ambushed... Today he is at home in the countryside and in the city, where he is a loyal companion and a favourite not only of his family, but also of the wider neighbourhood. He is willful, but obedient and devoted - lively and playful, but alert.

The reverse side of the coin, which is the work of the medal maker MgA. Martin Dašek, bears two depictions of the schnauzer. The first one is coloured, giving the coat a pepper and salt colour. The second, which is in relief, presents a dog following the tracks of a thief. The composition is supplemented with the bilingual inscription KNÍRAČ – SCHNAUZER. As the coins of the Czech Mint are issued with a foreign licence from the island of Niue, they bear the name and portrait of Queen Elizabeth II on the obverse side, the nominal value of 1 DOLLAR (NZD) and the year of issue 2022. These attributes are supplemented with a series of footprints - human and canine.

All twelve coins from the Dog Breeds series can be saved in a spectacular collector's book which is also available in the offer of the Czech Mint.