The Eastern zodiac, which is also known as the Chinese zodiac, contains twelve signs - twelve animals that represent twelve temperaments with both positive and negative traits. Unlike the classical horoscope we are used to in Europe, each of these signs belongs to a whole year, and once all the animals have been replaced, the twelve-year cycle begins anew. The year 2024 is dedicated to the dragon, which is represented on a gold-plated silver coin of the Czech Mint.

An old Chinese legend tells of the Jade Emperor who ruled the heavens and was looking for someone to guard his palace. Twelve animals competed for the ruler's favour - a rat, a buffalo, a tiger, a hare, a dragon, a snake, a horse, a goat, a monkey, a rooster, a dog and a pig. Their position in the palace was to be decided by a great race. The emperor assumed that the dragon would win because it was the only one that could fly. What was his surprise when the favourite came fifth. He was kind-hearted and stopped along the way to help villagers in need. Eventually, he even pushed one of his rivals to the finish line - a hare that was stuck in the middle of the river... People who are born under the influence of a dragon become natural leaders - powerful, influential and energetic. They make quick decisions and do not hesitate to overcome obstacles to achieve their goals. At the same time, they tend to be egotistical. They like to dazzle and display their grandeur.

The medal maker Petra Brodská, DiS., dedicated the reverse side of the coin to the traditional depiction of the Asian dragon, which she added to the appropriate Chinese symbol and the English inscription YEAR OF THE DRAGON. In the decoration surrounding the mythical creature, she incorporated the 20th and 21st century years, which fall in the Year of the Dragon. The elaborated decorative relief, which includes two other dragons, can also be found on the obverse side. As the coins of the Czech Mint are issued with the foreign licence of the State of Samoa, they also bear its national emblem, the year of issue 2024 and the nominal value of 2 DOLLARS (WST) on the obverse side.

Dragons in human form tend to be demanding, so it is not easy to satisfy them. However, you will surely succeed with an original gift in the form of a silver coin.