Enchanted Pigeons on Kraków’s Ducats
The royal city of Kraków will have its Local Ducats again.
In a few days in the capital of Małopolska region it will be possible to pay with brass and bi-metal Kraks. To cater for the needs of collectors the Mint of Poland has also produced silver and gold Kraks. All of them refer to the legend of enchanted pigeons.
From 29 November Kraków’s inhabitants as well as visitors to the city will be able to buy Kraków’s Local Ducats. On that day starts the emission of Kraks, i.e. souvenir numismats promoting the city, struck by the best minters of the Mint of Poland. This will be the second emission of ducats from the ‘Legends of Kraków’ series. The Mint’s partner in organizing the campaign is the Municipality of Kraków. Kraks will be available for sale at a specially prepared stand.
The Mint of Poland has struck for the capital city of the Lesser Poland region 20 thousand brass ducats of the face value of 4 Kraks, bi-metal numismats of the face value of 7 Kraks as well as 1000 pieces of silver and 200 pieces of gold Kraks. The brass and bi-metal (i.e. produced using two different metals) ducats are vouchers that can be exchanged for goods and services in selected restaurants, cafés, shops and museums. It will also be possible to use them at the Christmas Market (starting on 27 November and ending on 27 December). 4 Kraks are an equivalent of 4 zlotys, while 7 Kraks have the value of 7 zlotys.
The silver and gold Kraks have a collector value and cannot be used in trade. The precious-metal ducats are of untypical face values (108 and 1555 Kraks), referring to the history of the city. The gold Kraks are made of gold of the highest grade (Au 999.9); it is this grade of gold that is used for the production of gold bullion.
Why are there pigeons on Kraków’s Ducats? Because they are characters of one of the most beautiful legends associated with the capital city of the Lesser Poland. According to the legend the pigeons living in the Market Square are enchanted knights of Henry IV Probus. The birds are said to have helped the duke to collect money for reunification of the Lesser Poland territory. However, as the ruler lost the money and never returned to Kraków, his knights have remained enchanted to this very day.
This is the second emission of Kraks prepared by the Mint of Poland. Ducats with Lajkonik struck for the city last spring (they were to be bought at the Easter Market) have proved very successful, not only among Kraków’s inhabitants and visitors to the city, but also among numismatists from around the world. The Promotion of Regions Office which supports Kraków in organizing the emission has been shipping the ducats to such countries as Great Britain, Saudi Arabia, Japan and South Africa.
Mariusz Przybylski
