Saint Nicholas the Wonderworker
Presented by
Mint of Poland
Nominal value
1 dollar (Niue Island)
Diameter
28,20 x 28,20 mm (square shape)
Production quality
Proof, pad printing, inset – Swarovski elements
Designer
Urszula Walerzak
Description of obverse and reverse
Obverse: in the centre – a pad-printed image of Saint Nicholas the Wonderworker. On both sides of the Saint – miniature figures and scenes from the life of Nicholas. Above – a semi-circular stylized inscription in Latin – «SANCTUS NICOLAUS DE MYRA» (Saint Nicholas of Myra). In the background – a Greek cross with a frosted surface. In each corner – gold-plated classical crosses . In each cross there is embedded a red SWAROVSKI ELEMENTS decoration.
Reverse: in the centre – a gold-plated image of a sanctuary. In the background – decorative ornaments. On the right – an inscription: «NIUE ISLAND» (the issuer). Under the dome – an image of Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth II. Below – an inscription: «ELIZABETH II». On the right – the year of issue (2013) and face value (1 DOLLAR). At the bottom – a mint mark (m/w).
A brief annotation
The coin commemorates the personage of St. Nicholas who is considered to be a model of compassion, true courage and justice. Numerous accounts on his decent deeds made his name last through the ages, thus he has been remembered as the advocate for the poor and needy. Thanks to his benefaction, he became a symbol of generosity, giving and a contemporary Christmas tradition. The coin is a perfect gift for the namesakes of the Saint, as well as a talisman for those under his care, including sailors, merchants, children and students.