The Eastern zodiac, also known as the Chinese zodiac, contains twelve signs - twelve animals that represent twelve temperaments with 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 2025 is dedicated to the snake that 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 - 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 - competed for the favour of the ruler. Their position in the palace was to be decided by a great race over land and water. The snake was not a good swimmer, and so was not one of the favourites, but in the end he came a fine sixth. He was cunning and caught the hoof of a fast horse. Just before the end of the race, he let go, spooked the horse and crawled to the finish... People who are born under the influence of a snake can cope with any unexpected situation. They're versatile and adaptable. They have a strong intuition and improvisation is their nature. They are determined to achieve their goals but hate failure. They are therefore easily stressed and if they are irritable, it is best to give them space and time.

The medal maker Petra Brodská, DiS., dedicated the reverse side of the coin to the image of a snake, which she added to the appropriate Chinese symbol and the English inscription YEAR OF THE SNAKE. In the decoration surrounding the reptile, she incorporated the 20th and 21st century years, which fall in the Year of the Snake. As the coins of the Czech Mint are issued under the foreign licence of the State of Samoa, they bear the national emblem of Samoa , the year of issue 2025 and the face value of 2 DOLLARS (WST) on the obverse side. The obverse composition is completed by traditional Chinese dragons.

Snakes in human form love the feeling of having the best. An original gift in the form of a silver coin will surely satisfy them.