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December 23, 2015 – Horseshoes are lucky symbols – we stick to this belief even in enlightened modernity. People have always attributed magical qualities to the metal that is used to forge horseshoes: though malleable when hot, iron becomes hard and rigid once it has cooled down. Although it is applied scorching hot, it does not cause pain to the horse but offers protection for the sensitive hooves. On behalf of Palau, Coin Invest Trust created a numismatic lucky charm: a golden coin in the shape of a horseshoe.
Palau / 1 Dollar / Gold .9999 / 0.5 g / 11 mm / Mintage: 15,000.
The obverse of the horseshoe-shaped coin shows the coat of arms of the issuing nation below an outrigger canoe as well as the inscriptions ONE DOLLAR and REPUBLIC OF PALAU.
The relief on the reverse resembles a horseshoe.
Gallo-Roman hipposandal, a predecessor to the horseshoe. Photograph: NantonosAedui / https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-sa/2.5/deed.en
Invented by the Romans and widely used since the Middle Ages, horseshoes became particularly important for those horses that served as farm animals, for transport, or in wars. A Turkish proverb tellingly sums up the horseshoe’s fundamental importance: “A nail can save a horseshoe, a horseshoe a horse, a horse can save a horse rider, and a horse rider can save a country.”
Since iron used to be an expensive raw material, not everybody could afford horseshoes. This may be why the horseshoe acquired its meaning as a symbol of luck. Especially when found by chance, its discoverer would get very lucky after pinning it above the entrance of his house.
Horseshoe on door.
About the “correct” positioning of the horseshoe, there is, however, still debate: Some swear by putting it up with the ends upwards, so that the luck can fall in. Others prefer it with the opening downwards so the luck can pour down on its owner. But no matter which way around, popular wisdom agrees that horseshoes are especially potent if put up on New Year’s Eve.
After having issued gold coins in the shape of a pig, a ladybug, and a four-leaf clover in recent years, Coin Invest Trust’s latest numismatic lucky charm comes in the form of a horseshoe. The coin is the perfect gift for those who want to wish themselves and others lucky.
The coin is minted by B. H. Mayer’s Kunstprägeanstalt GmbH. Collectors can purchase
the issue through specialty dealers.
More information on this and other releases of CIT is available
here.
