The lucky penny was given to newborns by our ancestors. In the families of rich noblemen and poor peasants, the baby was usually given a talisman in the form of a coin made of precious metal by the godfather or godmother. The coin was placed into the cradle, giving rise to the phrases "in the wrapper" and "in the swaddle", which are still used today in connection with baby gifts. The popularity of "wine coins" flourished in the Czech lands in the Renaissance era, and after the establishment of Czechoslovakia, the state began to issue the so-called St. Wenceslas ducats which people quickly grew to love for this purpose, and today the Czech Mint follows this tradition for example by issuance of this silver thaler with the motif of a baby in a room.

Celebrating the arrival of a new life into the world takes different forms in different countries. Americans celebrate in advance - the party is held three weeks before the birth and is associated with a lot of gifts that will come in handy after the birth. In Germany, on the other hand, they believe that giving gifts or having a party before the baby is born bring bad luck. Russians, like Americans, are keen on practical things, and congratulations are not infrequently given to the baby with a complete layette. Mexicans bring cigars to families where a baby boy is born, and otherwise they give chocolate. Special sweet gifts are also popular in the Netherlands, Belgium and Iran. And what about the Czechs? They have begun to rediscover the magic of a penny made of precious metal inserted into a cradle. But most mothers, regardless of nationality, will agree that throwing a party is the last thing they have the energy for before giving birth and after returning from the hospital. On the other hand, daddy's drinking the offspring is popular in almost any culture...

The medal maker Petr Patka, DiS., dedicated the obverse side of the silver thaler to a cute baby playing with dice. He got so tired of playing that he is now sleeping contentedly on the reverse side.

Do not miss the other variants of the baby birth token - in our 2024 offer you will find two different precious metals, two different artistic motifs and special variants that can be engraved with a dedication. You can learn more about baby gifts on our thematic website: promiminko.ceskamincovna.cz