Silver coin Iris humilis subsp. arenaria proof
Silver coin Iris humilis subsp. arenaria proof
The product can also be purchased directly in the stores of the Czech Mint
Product description
Cycle of the Czech Mint called Endangered nature represents selected plants and animals meeting two criteria. They occur in the Czech Republic and their population is threatened with extinction. The fourth silver colored coin issued in 2017 belongs to the iris arenaria.
It was not easy for the iris in the botanical circles. The perennial herb, usually with two pale to deep yellow flowers, has been described as a separate species, but at the beginning of the 20th century it was considered to be a subspecies of the iris in the end. However, it was found that its biological diversity was so great that it had become a legitimate species heavily endangered species again. In Czech Republic, the iris grows only in southern Moravia, where the absolute north-western border of the area of its occurrence passes. It mostly grows in areas that were grazed by sheep and goats in the past. Since mankind has abandoned all of this farming, it has become more resistant to plants and planted trees. This impoverishes the sandstone iris for nutrients, light and space to grow. Most of them are fortunately located in protected areas where they are properly taken care of.
The coin has been made by expert medal maker MgA. Martin Dašek. The reverse side is devoted to pair of yellow flowers, which are special because each of them blooms only one day. Thanks to the technology of coloring, they can be rendered in vivid colors. The composition is complemented by a glass closet and inscription consisting of the Czech and Latin name of the plant: KOSATEC SKALNÍ PÍSEČNÝ - IRIS HUMILIS SUBSP. ARENARIA. The obverse side of the coin bears an ornamental floral motif that incorporates the coin issuer's attributes of Niue Island, which means the portrait and name of Queen Elizabeth II, the year of the issue 2017, together with the nominal value of 1 DOLLAR (NZD) coin.
The coins from the Endangered Nature cycle can be stored in a practical collector´s box, which can also be found in the offer of the Czech Mint.