Ladybird, 1 Dollar, Series: Lucky Coins

Can luck be helped? What are the ways to do so? The Mint of Poland have come out with an offering of the most recognizable and universal symbols of luck on commemorative coins, “Lucky Coins”. What makes the series so original is the innovative technology adopted for the very first time – a transparent capsule placed upon a blank, containing a moving piece of silver.

The following coin in the series is the “Ladybird”. The previous coins were the “Horseshoe”, “Four-leaf Clover” and “Elephant”. The coin contains a unique silver elephant filigree and takes its name from the core element. The coins have been struck using Ag 925 blanks.

Let the coins work their magic!

Obverse:
At the bottom, to the left, an insert made up of a transparent capsule containing a small ladybird, above it the images of flowers. At the top the effigy of Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth II and semicircular inscriptions: ELIZABETH II, NIUE ISLAND (issuer), the mint’s mark (m/w), 1 DOLLAR 2011 (face value, year of issue).

Reverse:
In the central part of the coin the images of flowers (one of them shiny) and two ladybirds on it. At the bottom - an insert made up of a transparent capsule containing a ladybird. On the left, along the rim an inscription: “GOOD LUCK”.

Designer: Dobrochna Surajewska

Why are Ladybirds Lucky?

The most likely explanation for the belief that ladybirds are lucky is their dietary habits. In their menu there are harmful crop pests, so these friendly creatures have been always warmly welcomed by farmers and gardeners. The appearance of a ladybird is also considered as a blessing, which is the reason why there are positive associations with them in many cultures. Furthermore, they are believed to bring future luck in love, good weather, a financial windfall as well as grant wishes. In some cultures having a ladybird land on a person is supposed to be particularly lucky whereas when a ladybird lands on an object, it will be replaced by a new and improved one.

In some Christian societies, especially in Europe, the ladybird is linked with the Virgin Mary, also known as Our Lady to devout Catholics. In early paintings Mary was often depicted wearing a red cloak and the spots of the seven spot ladybird were said to symbolize her Seven Sorrows. What is more, according to the legend, one very unfortunate year fearful of their crops farmers prayed to the Virgin Mary for protection of the fruit of their hard work. She listened to their prayers and sent beetles. They made a feast of invading insects, saving the crops. From that day forward little winged rescuers were called “Beetles of Our Lady”. Later the name was shortened to “lady beetles”. This story explains the origins of the referring to the Virgin name “ladybird”, also known as a “lady beetle” or “ladybug”.