2023 - Niue 1 NZD Silver Coin Dog Breeds - Cavalier King Charles Spaniel - Proof

Dog Breeds

The eleventh silver coin of the Czech Mint from the Dog Breeds series is dedicated to the Cavalier King Charles Spaniel.

The so-called spaniels have been popular companion dogs for centuries. They were popular among kings, noble children and ladies, whose furry pets sat on their laps and protected them from the cold. The most famous spaniel breeders were the English monarchs Charles I and Charles II, who ruled in the 17th century. In the 18th century, the appearance of the tiny dogs that stare back at us from many historical paintings began to change as short muzzles came into fashion. The original long-nosed spaniel was to disappear. At the turn of the 19th and 20th centuries, however, breeders decided to restore the breed to its original form from the time of the two Carls. Thus, the elegant dog was reborn and given the name of its royal patrons - the Cavalier King Charles Spaniel. Just like centuries ago, the Cavalier still needs to share its life with humans. Therefore, it is gentle, peaceful, funny and loves to learn. He loves walks and relaxing in his chair.

The reverse side of the coin, which is the work of the medal maker MgA. Martin Dašek, bears two depictions of the cavalier. The first, which is coloured, gives prominence to the brown and white variant of the dog known as the blenheim. The second, which is in relief, presents the cavalier sitting on a baroque chair, thus recalling its historical role as a pet of high society. The composition is supplemented with the Czech-English inscription KAVALÍR KING CHARLES ŠPANĚL – CAVALIER KING CHARLES SPANIEL. As the coins of the Czech Mint are issued with a foreign licence from the island of Niue, they bear the national emblem, the nominal value of 1 DOLLAR (NZD) and the year of issue 2023 on the obverse side. These attributes are supplemented with a series of footprints - human and canine.

All twelve coins from the Dog Breeds series can be stored in a collector's book that is also offered by the Czech Mint.