Gold ducat Lada's Christmas proof

Christmas time is inseparably linked with cookies, nativity scenes, carols, snow, but also with the pictures of Josef and Alena Lada. Their imagination inspired the gold ducat of the Czech Mint.

When we hear the words "Ladovská zima" (Lada winter), we immediately think of a typical Czech winter landscape – a snow-covered village, cottages with smoking chimneys, a frozen pond, snowmen, a small church on a hill, and children playing on sleds. Snowflakes are falling from the sky, the frost is biting our cheeks, and yet it all feels warm, cozy, and magical. In short, it is an idyll that we often associate with childhood and Christmas. In the current climate, the term "Lada winter" is also used to express a longing for a proper winter, when it actually snows and freezes, which, unfortunately, is no longer a given. When we experience yet another muddy Christmas, we often wonder if Josef Lada dreamed up all that snow. After all, he invented a talking cat and all sorts of bogeymen and water sprites – so why wouldn't he embellish his childhood memories? However, historical records confirm that there was no shortage of snow at the end of the 19th century. For eight years in a row, the snow cover lasted more than sixty days... The painter's infectious nostalgia was continued by his daughter Alena Ladová, who, like her father, masterfully captured the magic of the Czech landscape, its inhabitants, and the four seasons. Thanks to them, we now know what a real winter looks like!

On both sides of the commemorative medal, which was designed by medal maker Ludmila Kracíková, DiS., based on the original illustrations by Josef Lada, you will find children enjoying winter fun. On the obverse side, they are building a snowman, and on the reverse side, they are sledding. The composition is completed by a decorative frame and the inscription LADOVY VÁNOCE (Lada's Christmas).

The Christmas ducat, which also commemorates the 100th anniversary of the birth of Alena Ladová, is set in cheerful packaging decorated with thematic illustrations.