You may believe in luck or not trust talismans, but here’s what we at the Mister Geek store know for sure: there are never too many good omens. And if you need an extra reason to believe in your own success, here it is: The Lucky Clover Coin. A talisman that will be a wonderful gift in any situation.

The most incredulous person will smile at such a gift. And this is where the real magic begins: even a tiny reason for self-confidence can be the last straw that was missing. And you will only be surprised: it really works!

Peculiarities

There is no state on the map in which such a coin was minted. No, even in Ireland, the leprechauns have completely different coins in their pots of gold. But, between us, the leprechauns would not refuse this magical little thing. They would especially like the four-leaf clover, a symbol of good luck, depicted on one side.

On the other hand, there is a no less famous sign: a horseshoe. Brings success in business not only to the head of the family, but also to all his household members. Can you imagine how much luck there is? But it would seem that it was just a circle of tin the size of a small coin. By the way, you can carry it right in your wallet, like a Wallet Mouse. Just don't confuse it with small change.

Characteristics

• images: clover on one side, horseshoe on the other;
• material: tin;
• color: golden;
• size (diameter*thickness): 2.2*0.2 cm;
• packaging: transparent bag with paper insert;
• package size (L*W): 16*8 cm;
• weight with packaging: 5 g.

The human desire to tame luck has arisen at all times. Different peoples used different objects to attract the “obstinate lady”: Americans - the first dollar earned; Italians are the key; Japanese - “maneki-neko” (“lucky cat”); Chinese - a cup of wealth, an image of a dragon or goldfish. Residents of many countries believe that a horseshoe, sailboat, chimney sweep, angel, three-legged toad or ladybug can bring happiness, prosperity, prosperity and other benefits. Not surprisingly, many good luck symbols appeared on coins, which became known as “good luck coins” or “lucky coins.”

There are several types of “lucky coins”:

• Coins produced by government mints;
• Pseudo-coins (amulet coins, tokens) produced by private coinmakers.

Coins produced by government mints

Such coins have a standard set of symbols on the coin for a particular state (mint mark, year of issue, often the issuing country) and other unique images-symbols that “attract” good luck. The material used to make the products is also standard - precious metals, less often - traditional alloys. Coins are commemorative and are subject to legal circulation, have value, and can become an investment object.

"Golden Angel"

The first world-famous coin that brought real luck was the Louis XVI gold louis d'or, made by engraver Auguste Dupre. A special feature of the coin is the image of a guardian angel on its reverse. The weight of the item is about 6.8 g, diameter is 26 mm (later the diameter decreased to 20 mm, weight to 6.4 g), fineness 900–917. After the execution of Louis XVI, it was decided to execute the creator of coins with an angel. According to legend, Dupre, climbing the scaffold, held his coin in his hands and prayed, when suddenly lightning struck the bell tower spire. Panic gripped everyone, the execution was postponed, and later canceled altogether. Some time later, the engraver claimed that it was the coin that brought him luck and gave him life, although there is a version that he simply bribed a guard with an expensive coin and ran away. Be that as it may, the coin really helped its creator. According to legend, Napoleon Bonaparte also carried the “Golden Angel” with him, but before the battle of Waterloo he lost it and, as everyone knows, lost the battle. The reputation of the “lucky” coin spread throughout the world. Soon, ship captains tried not to go to sea without her, and French pilots tried not to take to the skies. "Golden Angels" were awarded to Luftwaffe aces. Nowadays, gold louis d'or is of interest primarily to collectors and numismatists. Due to the large circulation of this coin, its cost is low - about 300–400 dollars. After the death of Louis XVI, angels were minted on many French coins.

The first "golden angels" (Louis XVI and 24 livres after his death)

French 100 francs silver 1989 with angel

Modern coins for good luck

Each person chooses his own coin based on various criteria. Some believe that metal money with zodiac signs will bring them good luck, while others believe in the power of coins with symbols of good luck on them. Since 2010, the island of Niue has been offering coins from the Lucky Coins series to collectors. These are silver and gold coins with inserts of various talismans: horseshoe, four-leaf clover, elephant, ladybug, goldfish. The specimens weigh 28.28 grams and have a diameter of 41 mm. Face value $1-$2. Produced at the Polish Monetary Court. In 2014, the same place issued colored coins with inserts from the “Symbols of Luck” series, weighing 14.14 grams, with a diameter of 32 mm with the image of a stork, a pig, a chimney sweep, and an angel. Silver coins, gold insert. Niue's lucky coins range in price from $40 to $80.

"Coins for Luck"

In 2013, the island of Niue released another masterpiece produced by the Polish monetary court, called “The Magical Year of Happiness.” The silver/gold talisman coin, inspired by ancient amulets, features 12 crystals. Its total weight is 400 grams, diameter is 90 mm. The denomination of the coin is 100 dollars, circulation is 222 pieces. Cost about $950.

"Magical year of happiness"

In 2013, the Austrian Monetary Court produced a 9-sided silver coin called “Good Luck in the New Year.” The denomination of the coin is 5 euros. It is decorated with Austrian symbols of good luck: clover, fly agaric, sun mask, horseshoe, pig. The weight of the lucky coin is 10 grams, the diameter is 18.5 mm. By the way, since the 1930s, Austria has been producing “Lucky Tokens” with a diameter of 21.5 mm made of bronze and silver, which are given on the eve of the New Year and carried in the pocket throughout the year.

Austrian coin "Good luck in the new year" and "Lucky token"

There are coins with inserts made of real clover ($5 Palau made of silver 2006, diameter 38.61 mm, weight 31.1 grams, estimated cost about 3,000 rubles; reissued in 2014, cost about 75 euros).

Here are some more coins with images of good luck symbols:

• Latvia, 2008, silver, weight 28 g, diameter 35 mm, denomination - 1 lat, circulation 5000 pcs. Image of a chimney sweep, cat.
• Latvia, 2012, copper/nickel, weight 4.8 g, diameter 21.75 mm, nominal value 1 lat, price about 8 dollars. Horseshoe image.
• Palau, 2005, silver, weight 25 grams, face value $5, edition 2500 pcs. Image of a ladybug.

Pseudo-coins (amulet coins, tokens) produced by private minters

Such coins can be found in large quantities at online auctions and spontaneous markets. For the most part, it is difficult to determine the time and place of production from them, since they do not contain any distinctive mint marks. The main emphasis in the production of these “coins” is placed on the symbolism depicted on them. The material of manufacture is any inexpensive alloy or cheap metal. They are not means of payment, cannot be turned around, or become a means of investment. They are considered souvenirs.

In the Slavic expanses you can find talisman coins from the “Lucky Coins” series, made of aluminum, brass, and copper. Their cost is almost symbolic - about 3 dollars. There are lucky coins dedicated to various events, including local ones. For example, a coin for the 288th anniversary of Yekaterinburg “Lucky nickel”. You can’t do without coins from a Chinese manufacturer (price about 130 rubles) made of metal.

Various pseudo-talisman coins

During the Great Depression, many talisman coins were produced in the United States with images of a hare's foot, a 4-leaf clover, a horseshoe, a swastika, and an elephant (diameter 31–38 mm, mostly made of bronze).

Separately, we can highlight Chinese coins, which in shape resemble ancient government money - in the middle of a round coin (circle - “yang”) a square (“yin”) is cut out. This combination of geometric shapes symbolizes the fusion of two energies: male and female, which bring good luck and wealth. If such coins are tied with a red thread, then the energy of attracting money and good luck increases. At the same time, different numbers of tied coins bring different benefits: two coins together - wealth, wealth in business; three coins - ordinary wealth, wealth earned in an unconventional way, unexpected wealth; 6 coins - heavenly luck; 8 coins - wealth from all kinds of sources. The inscriptions on coins are also of great importance.

Chinese coins for good luck and wealth

In addition to specially made coins with images of symbols of good luck, any other metal money can be a lucky coin. Many people believe that a coin issued on a birthday, passed down by inheritance, found during a particularly fortunate period of life or under special circumstances, regardless of what is depicted on it, can also bring good luck.

four leaf clover", series "Coins for Good Luck", Poland. Sold in Sberbank, price about 4 thousand rubles.

Material: 925 sterling silver, gold plated.

Does it often happen to you that you need to give a gift to people who have everything, but what they don’t have is too expensive and only they can buy it for themselves? I do often. It’s easier with women, there are still options, but if we’re talking about men, then you literally struggle with what to do, what to give. It’s good if a person has a passion, a hobby, you can find something special. What if not? That’s when Sberbank helps me out with its coins:

Not to say that it is a necessary thing in the household, but luck is definitely needed by everyone! So, let's give you good luck!

You can’t buy such a trifle for yourself, it’s still not worth three kopecks, but to receive something like this as a gift is very nice, I know from experience. The choice is wide, from funny ones with hearts and ladybugs, to, for example, Sochi 2014. I also saw coins with Orthodox symbols, there are also gold ones, which are much more expensive.

The design is simple, but gift-like, as you can see in the envelope box, it’s nice to hold in your hands. The purchase takes place at the cash desk where they change the currency, so they also give out a document confirming the purchase; they also asked me for my passport.

An interesting gift idea for both adults and teenagers. If you don't eat it, you won't throw it away, it won't get lost. And beautiful, and collectible, and yet, a jewel.