The small national mints are often the source of some really outstanding coin designs, and this new coin from Slovakia is a fine example of a nature coin. Released to celebrate Vihorlat Protected Landscape Area, essentially a National Park, it features some of the flora and fauna indigenous to the region, and artist Roman Lugár, has done an exceptional job, in our view.

The reverse face is outstanding, and depicts a European tree frog clinging on to water reeds, while gazing hungrily at a dragonfly alighted close by. We particularly love the subtle use of perspective, creating a depth of field, and without the use of any trickery, like colour. It’s very clean, and natural. The obverse carries most of the inscriptions in a border, but the scene of a deer drinking water from Morské oko lake is another fine one, set amidst the mountains, and replete with neat touches, like the water ripples, and the reflections. The coin edge is inscribed with OCHRANA PRÍRODY A KRAJINY (Nature and countryside conservation), with a stylised flower at the start and end of the text.

The coin is struck by the Kremnica Mint, and is available in either a brilliant uncirculated finish (3,200 mintage), or a proof finish (6,900 coins). The proof seems to sell for about 10% more, at around €55.00. Available to order now.

MINTS DESCRIPTION: The Vihorlat Mountains are the easternmost of Slovakia’s volcanically formed mountains. The Vihorlat Protected Landscape Area (PLA) was created in 1973. Although not large in terms of their area and height above sea level, the Vihorlat Mountains are impressive. The dominant rock is andesite, and in many places there are rock cliffs formed by ancient lava flows. The Vihorlat Mountains are one of the most forested mountain ranges in Slovakia, with 80% of their area covered by forest ecosystems. These include areas of primeval forest that are largely untouched by human activity.

A highlight of the mountains is Morské oko lake, one of the largest non-karst lakes in the Carpathians. When viewed from Sninský kameň hill, it has the shape of an irregular five-pointed star. Straddling the border between the Pannonian and Carpathian bioregions, the Vihorlat PLA features around 400 species of fungi, 60 lichens, 110 bryophytes and 600 species of higher plants. The local fauna is also diverse, with around 100 species of birds nesting in the area and various carnivorous mammals inhabiting its dense forests.