The silver medal of the Czech Mint "Gaudeamus igitur" from the gift cycle entitled Latin Quotes is a funny, but at the same time thoughtful talisman for every student or graduate.

Medieval European universities were a place of knowledge, but also of entertainment. It was in their milieu that the student anthem "Gaudeamus igitur" originated: "Let us rejoyce, while we are young. after a pleasant youth, after a troubling old age, the earth will have us." The song is played on important academic occasions, so it is surprising that it was originally a drinking song. It celebrated the various joys of student life - especially those physical - and was sung ironically to a very noble and serious tune, which originated in the 13th century, probably at the University of Bologna. The Latin text, with some Germanisms, is of Vagante origin - or the work of unknown wandering students who made a living in the Middle Ages by performing at various festivals. Of the ten stanzas of the hymn, only some are commonly sung today...

"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 silver medal as his thesis.

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