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Description
The reverse of the coin features a howling metal wolf. It is a familiar, strong and extremely cunning wild animal, which is also the ancestor of all domestic dogs. The wolf’s howl can be heard by members of his gang from a radius of up to four kilometres. This is how they can tell each other of their location, impending danger or perhaps of their sorrow. Wolves are not only intelligent but also highly emotional wild animals. When they find their mate, they stay with them for life – always faithful to each other until death. Even if one of them dies, they can keep watch over their mate for a week, making sure that the body is not scavenged by birds and beasts.
Wolves and humans have lived side by side since ancient times, which has led to a rather ambiguous relationship between them. Wolves were feared, killed and in some places even demonised, but at the same time they were also respected, with shields and various coats of arms decorated with the image of the wolf. The relationship between man and wolf varied according to time period and region. Over time, the animal has also become the subject of numerous myths, legends, fairy tales, songs, and other works.
The wolf also plays an important role in the legend of Vilnius, which tells how, while hunting, the Grand Duke of Lithuania, Gediminas, stayed overnight in a place that is now the city of Vilnius. At night, while sleeping, he had a dream that a large iron wolf was howling on a high hill. In the morning, the Duke told his dream to the Kriwe Kriwaito Lizdeika, who explained that Gediminas’ dream meant a city would arise on this spot and that word about it would spread widely. A large mound was then built at the confluence of the rivers and a castle was built on top of it. It is symbolic that this year Vilnius is celebrating its 700th birthday, and the city’s symbol is the wolf. At the bottom of the reverse illustration, you can see another accent of Lithuanianness – the band with the Pillars of Gediminas, which are considered to be one of the most important symbols of Lithuania’s statehood.
The obverse of the coin depicts the coat of arms of Niue. At the bottom of the coin is the symbol of the island of Niue – the crossed katoua fighting sticks, and the inscription ‘atua Niue tukulagi’, which is the motto of the island.
The Metal Wolf coin can be a wonderful addition to your collection, an exceptional gift or perhaps to commemorate a special occasion – the birthday of Vilnius City
