Set of two silver coins St. Vitus treasure - Relics of St Ludmila selective gold plating proof

Set of two silver coins St. Vitus treasure - Relics of St Ludmila selective gold plating proof

Stock state
June 2024
Date of issue
June 2024
Mintage
500 pcs
Estimated price
150.00 EUR
including VAT

St. Vitus treasure

The third set of two silver coins of the Czech Mint from the free cycle dedicated to the St. Vitus Treasure, recalls the importance of the relics of St. Ludmila.

When St. Wenceslas acquired the relic from the shoulder bone of St. Vitus in the 10th century, he probably had no idea that the history of one of the greatest temple treasures in Europe had begun to be written. The Rotunda of St. Vitus became the home of the St. Vitus Treasure. Prince Wenceslas had it built at Prague Castle, where the cathedral of the same name was later built. The diverse collection of breathtaking liturgical objects of incalculable value was expanded by the Přemyslids, Luxemburgs, Jagiellonians and Habsburgs. It included ornate reliquaries, monstrances, embroidered vestments, crown jewels and much more... An integral part of the treasure were the remains of Princess Ludmilla - the grandmother of St. Wenceslas, who was baptized by St. Methodius, murdered by her daughter-in-law Drahomira and finally canonized. Since 921, when the foremother of Czech Christianity breathed her last, her bones have been manipulated many times. They have been preserved despite moving, repeated fires and the unwilling hands of thieves. To protect them, a box of gilded silver was built in the mid-14th century - perhaps at the instigation of Charles IV, who held his ancient ancestors in high esteem. This reliquary bust contained the skull of Saint Ludmilla, which has survived to this day, although it lacks the facial part that was artificially separated long ago...

The two-piece set is the work of medal maker Lenka Nebeská, DiS. While the reverse side of the first coin is dedicated to Ludmilla's reliquary bust, the second reverse features her decorated skull. The additional motif in both cases is the rosette of St. Vitus Cathedral. As the licence to issue commemorative coins of the Czech Mint is granted by the Pacific island of Niue, the obverse sides of both coins bear its necessary attributes - the national emblem, the face value of 2 DOLLARS (NZD) and the year of issue 2024.

Both silver coins in the set are embellished with selective gold plating.

Specifications

Collectors set
Code
76482-717
Issuer
Niue
Nominal value
2x 2 NZD
Author of the obverse
Lenka Nebeská, DiS.
Author of the reverse
Lenka Nebeská, DiS.
Numbered issue
No
Certificate
Yes
Material
Silver
Fineness
999 / 1000
Weight
31.1 g
Diameter
37 mm
Packaging
Blackpaper case
Capsule
Yes
Czech Mint
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