The silver medal, which is part of the Czech Mint's free gift cycle with Christmas motifs, commemorates the story of St. Nicholas.

Nicholas of Myra was a generous man with a good heart who helped the poor people in need - especially children. He gave away all his possessions, and when he wanted to continue his charity, he did not hesitate to steal from his father, a greedy rich man. At the turn of the 3rd and 4th centuries AD, it was not uncommon for a creditor to take a child as collateral from a debtor so that he could sell the child into slavery if the debt was not paid. As soon as Nicholas learned of such an unfortunate child, he decided to pay the ransom. He put the bag of money outside the window, hid it in his shoe or threw it down the chimney. Then he knocked and quickly disappeared, because he was modest and wished to remain unrecognized. When Nicholas became one of the first bishops of the Christian Church, he founded schools and orphanages. He visited them regularly and took note of the evaluation of his charges. The good children were rewarded with praise, the misbehaving ones were punished with the scourge... In the story of the ancient saint, you will certainly recognise elements of today's St.Nicholas tradition. A gift in a stocking outside the window and judging whether a child has been naughty have been an integral part of the Czech pre-Christmas season since the 13th century.

The obverse side of the silver medal, which is the work of the medal maker Ludmila Kracíková, DiS., presents a traditional depiction of St.Nicholas in the form of a dignified bearded old man with a chasuble, mitre and crutch. In his hand he holds three golden apples reminiscent of the legend of the three daughters of a poor nobleman whom Nicholas saved from a life of poverty and humiliation. The composition of the obverse side is completed by a christmas star and the reverse side is entirely dedicated to a snowflake.

An integral part of the issue is the Czech gift wrapping, where a dedication can be written.

We also offer a Slovak version of the gift pack.