Mint of Poland

1 dollar (Niue Island)

Silver 925°

10 000

Proof, shiny flower with filigree insert - the innovative technology adopted for the very first time – a transparent capsule placed upon a blank, containing a moving piece of silver

Dobrochna Tamara Surajewska

Mint of Poland

Obverse: At the bottom, to the left, an ins ert made up of a transparent capsule containing a small ladybird, above it the images of flowers. At the top the effigy of Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth II and semicircular inscriptions: “ELIZABETH II, NIUE ISLAND” (issuer), the mint’s mark (m/w), “1 DOLLAR 2011” (face val ue, year of issue). Reverse: In the central part of the coin the images of flowers (one of them shiny) and two ladybirds on it. At the bottom - an insert made up of a transparent capsule containing a ladybird. On the left, along the rim an inscription: “GOOD LUCK”.

The most likely explanation for the belief that ladybirds are lucky is their dietary habits. In their menu there are harmful crop pests, so these friendly creatures have been always warmly welcomed by farmers and gardeners. The appearance of a ladybird is also considered as a blessing, which is the reason why there are positive associations with them in many cultures. Furthermore, they are believed to bring future luck in love, good weather, a financial windfall as well as grant wishes. In some cultures having a ladybird land on a person is supposed to be particularly lucky whereas when a ladybird lands on an object, it will be replaced by a new and improved one.