Silver 1 oz bullion coin Czech Lion 2026 color proof

This collector’s edition of the investment coin, the result of international cooperation, is presented in special packaging with a stand, which allows it to be displayed. The mintage of this edition totals 1,000 pieces—part of which is distributed by the Czech Mint, and part by Power Coin.

The issue of the lion in the element of fire is accompanied by the lion in the element of earth, the eagle in the element of air, and the eagle in the element of water. The 4 ELEMENTS series is thus complete.

The lion has been the Czech heraldic animal since time immemorial. This majestic beast was a symbol of strength and courage, but also of the ferocity and passion that the Czechs displayed on medieval battlefields. Thanks to investment coins, the lion has also become a world-renowned symbol of wealth and prosperity. The “Czech Lion” investment coins are issued in a variety of versions, but this one-ounce silver coin is exceptional. This joint licensed issue, which boasts a proof finish and sophisticated coloring, is the result of a long-term partnership between the Czech Mint and the Italian company Power Coin.

The best-known story of how the exotic lion became a symbol of the Czech lands is the legend of Bruncvík—a mythical prince who traveled all the way to distant Africa, where he helped the king of the animals in his battle against a ferocious lioness. A more credible explanation is offered by ancient chroniclers. According to them, in the year 1158, Emperor Frederick I Barbarossa rewarded Prince Vladislav II with a royal crown and a new heraldic animal, which replaced the previous eagle. The lion represented the virtues of a knight—strength and courage—which Vladislav had demonstrated during the conquest of Milan while serving the emperor. And how did the heraldic beast come to have its second tail? Once again, heroism played a role. In the year 1204, King Ottokar I aided Emperor Otto IV in the fight against the Saxons, and the Czech lion was rewarded with a second tail, which distinguished it from the beasts of other nations and gave it unique prestige. However, medieval writers liked to embellish their tales and are not a reliable source of information. Therefore, only one thing is certain—the first truly documented Czech lion was a symbol of the Přemyslid dynasty and appears on the equestrian seal of Vladislaus Henry from the year 1203. It was Ottokar II, the “Iron and Golden King,” who elevated the lion to the emblem of the entire country.

In 2026, the investment coins entered their 10th anniversary year. They feature a brand-new relief design, and their designer has also changed, but their reverse side continues to be dominated by the two-tailed Czech lion, a realistically depicted symbol of the nation, wearing the Crown of St. Wenceslas on its head. The striding beast, rendered in vivid colors, is the work of the experienced medalist Vojtěch Dostál, DiS. Since the Czech Mint’s coins are issued under license from a foreign issuer, the island of Niue, their obverse side bears the necessary attributes, which means a portrait of King Charles III, the nominal value of 2 DOLLARS (NZD), and the year of issue 2026.

Invest smartly and in style! Our selection also includes other versions of the “Czech Lion” bullion coin made of both silver and gold. This allows you to easily control how much of your funds you invest in precious metals.

The Czech Mint has extensive experience in the production of bullion coins. We have been minting “Czech Lion” gold and silver coins since 2017, and they have become popular with investors not only in the Czech Republic and Slovakia, but also in Hungary, Germany, China, Hong Kong, South Korea, the United Arab Emirates, Canada, and the United States. The world’s largest online distributor of precious metals has also added them to its product lineup. One of the reasons why the Czech Mint’s investment coins have so quickly joined the ranks of famous global counterparts (such as the Austrian Wiener Philharmoniker, the Canadian Maple Leaf, the South African Krugerrand, the American Eagle, the Chinese Panda, or the Australian Kangaroo) is their low mintage. While investment coins from foreign mints are minted in the millions, the mintage limit for coins minted in the Czech Republic is in the hundreds or thousands. This fact increases the potential for investment appreciation and adds a collector’s dimension to the coins. Thanks to their artistic design, these coins also make excellent original and valuable gifts - for graduations, weddings, the birth of a child, or just for the sheer joy of it…