Charles IV is considered the greatest Czech of all time. However, the numerous deeds that earned him the title "Father of the Homeland" would not have been possible without the efforts of Arnost of Pardubice standing by his side. Both are honoured by a two-ounce gold coin of the Czech Mint from the free cycle dedicated to famous historical couples.

Arnošt came from the family of the Lords of Pardubice and entered history as the first Czech archbishop. During his studies in Broumov, Bologna and Padua he received an excellent education and he met the future monarch Charles IV in Italy. He became his advisor and friend and crowned him King of Bohemia in 1347. He also crowned the king's wife Blanca of Valois. This was not just any ceremony - Arnost of Pardubice was the first Czech ecclesiastical dignitary to be granted the right to crown Czech kings by the Pope. Before that, until the establishment of the Archbishopric of Prague, the Archbishop of Mohács had crowned Czech kings. But that was not all that connected Arnost with Luxemburg - in Charles's presence he consecrated the foundation stone of St. Vitus Cathedral, administered the whole country in the king's absence, became his diplomat and made a significant contribution to the foundation of Charles University, where he then served as chancellor. According to historical sources, Arnost was tall, handsome, noble and generous. He had extraordinary insight and was an excellent speaker. He had a chance to become Pope, and his friend Francesco Petrarca, the famous Renaissance writer and poet, sang odes to him.

On the reverse side of the coin from the studio of the medal maker Jiří Hanuš, DiS., you will find portraits of Arnost of Pardubice and Charles IV incorporated into the Gothic architecture. The stone blocks separating from the portraits symbolise the ideas and deeds of both great men, which served as the cornerstones of Czech statehood. These falling stones are then gradually formed into a two-tailed Czech lion on the obverse side of the coin. As the coins of the Czech Mint are issued with the foreign licence of the island of Niue, they also bear its national emblem, the nominal value of 100 DOLLARS (NZD) and the year of issue 2025 on the obverse side.

The issue limit is only 100 coins!