Set of two gold coins Saint Vitus Treasure - Cross of Pope Urban V proof

A set of two gold coins from the Czech Mint, commemorating the significance of the Cross of Pope Urban V., is the fifth issue dedicated to the St. Vitus Treasure series.

The St. Vitus Treasure, built up over the centuries by the Přemyslids, the Luxembourgs, the Jagiellons, and the Habsburgs, is one of the greatest cathedral treasures in Europe. It consists of a collection of historical objects whose liturgical, artistic, craftsmanship, and material value is incalculable. The origins of the treasure date back to the 10th century and are directly linked to the reign of Saint Wenceslas, who acquired a relic from the shoulder bone of Saint Vitus. The prince placed it in Prague Castle, where he had the Rotunda of Saint Vitus built, which was later replaced by the cathedral of the same name… In the 14th century, when the relics of saints were Europe’s greatest treasures, Charles IV played a significant role in expanding the treasure. He commissioned not only the magnificent Crown of St. Wenceslas, but also a cross in which was placed a relic of the loincloth of Jesus Christ. This devout man of the House of Luxembourg received this precious relic from Pope Urban V as a token of gratitude for his efforts to permanently return the Holy See from Avignon to Rome. The golden casket, which was used during Czech coronations, was adorned with precious stones and figural engravings filled with black niello. The figures depicted represent Christ on the cross, the Virgin Mary, the Apostle John, Pope Urban V, and Deacon Pierre Roger de Beaufort, as well as Charles IV and his son Wenceslaus IV. It is almost certain that the monarch himself contributed to the design of the cross alongside these outstanding artists…

The two-piece set is the work of academic sculptor Zbyněk Fojtů. The reverse side of the first coin features an overall view of the cross and a detailed depiction of Charles IV with Wenceslaus IV. On the reverse side of the second coin, you will find a view of the crystal reliquary and a detailed depiction of Urban V with Pierre Roger de Beaufort. The obverse side, which is common to both coins, is dominated by another depiction of the cross, complemented by a detailed motif of the crucifixion. Since the license to issue commemorative coins for the Czech Mint is provided by the Pacific island of Niue, the obverse sides also bear its necessary attributes – the national coat of arms, the nominal value of 10 DOLLARS (NZD), and the year of issue 2026.

The series includes only 150 sets.