Gold coin Patrons - Saint Francis of Assisi proof

The next gold mini-coin from the Czech Mint’s Patroni series features Saint Francis of Assisi.

In 1182, a boy named Giovanni was born into the family of a wealthy cloth merchant in the Italian city of Assisi. His mother was French, so everyone called him nothing other than “the Frenchman”—that is, Francesco, or Francis. As a teenager, he enjoyed his status and, along with his friends from the privileged youth, embraced carefree living and extravagance. He loved troubadour songs, and under their influence, he wanted to become a knight. He took part in military campaigns, but he never achieved glory—war brought him only hardship, captivity, and illness. Then, as he lay feverish, he heard a voice from above. God Himself called on him not to serve earthly lords, but the Lord in Heaven. Francis obeyed and set out on a pilgrimage to Rome. There, however, only disappointment awaited him. When he saw the immeasurable wealth of the Church, he gave away his money and exchanged his clothes with the nearest beggar. From then on, he wandered the countryside and preached absolute poverty, which liberates the spirit. At first, people did not listen to him much, so he went into the forest, where he preached to the animals. For he loved not only his fellow humans but all of God’s creatures. He protected the voiceless from mistreatment, and the animals repaid his kindness—birds praised the Creator with their song, and the evil wolf ceased to torment the shepherds. It wasn’t long before disciples began to gather around Francis. Thus was founded the Order of Friars Minor, who became known as the Franciscans. Together they helped the poor, cared for the sick, and became a symbol of humility and peace. Francis wanted to preach the word of God throughout the world and longed for a martyr’s death, but he did not live to see it, even after he set out on a crusade to Egypt, where he stood before the sultan himself. As he grew older, he was struck by blindness, and stigmata appeared on his body. In the end, he died as he had lived—on the ground in a hut, covered with a borrowed cloak…

Francis, who is the patron saint of animals and nature, is often depicted in a simple Franciscan habit. Medallist Štěpánka Doležalová also gave him this appearance. On his hands, in which he clutches a cross, the saint has stigmata, and a bird perches on his shoulder. The Czech-English inscription on the reverse side states SV. FRANTIŠEK – ST. FRANCIS. Since the license to issue commemorative coins for the Czech Mint is provided by the Pacific island of Niue, the obverse side bears its required attributes—a portrait of King Charles III, the nominal value of 2 DOLLARS (NZD), and the year of issue 2026.

The half-gram gold coin is presented in special Czech-English packaging. It serves as an affordable gift and an original addition to a collection, and will become a talisman for good luck.