Do you have a student or graduate at home to whom you want to give a funny, but at the same time thoughtful talisman? Then the Czech Mint prepared a gold ducat entitled "Gaudeamus igitur" from the gift cycle called Latin Quotes.

"Gaudeamus igitur, iuvenes dum sumus - Let us rejoice while we are young." These are the first verses of the famous student anthem. The song is played on important academic occasions, so its plebeian origins come as a surprise. Originally, it was a drinking song that celebrated the various joys of youth and student life - especially the physical ones. Ironically, however, it was sung to a very noble melody that originated in the 13th century, probably in the milieu of the University of Bologna. The Latin text, with some Germanisms, was the work of unknown wandering students who made a living in the Middle Ages reciting poems and singing at various festivals. The definitive version was produced and published by a German theology student and collector of student songs, Christian Wilhelm Kindleben, in 1781.

"On the obverse side of the medal there are two rows of students going for their diplomas. The figures are designed in the simple style of so-called stickmen, which expresses my view of Czech education, which makes us such robots without individuality. The reverse side of the medal is designed in a more festive way. The students throw their caps in the air, which depicts the end of one stage of life and a big leap into the unknown with a lot of responsibility. Above their heads there is a spotlight with beams of light," explains young medal maker Lukáš Preissler. He is a student at the medal school in Jablonec nad Nisou and created the gold ducat as his thesis.

The ducat is stored in a gift box. It includes an appendix which explains in words and pictures the origin of the Latin quotation.