Silver Half Ounce 2016 Plichta of Žerotín, Coin from Niue - detailed information

Niue, a sovereign state in free association with New Zealand, uses two official legal tender currencies. The New Zealand Dollar is the circulation currency for daily transactions, while the government also authorises legal tender coins in the Niue Dollar currency for collector's purposes.

A number of mints issue a large variety of commemorative, bullion and collector coins under the authority of Niue. These coins are dedicated to historical or general popular culture themes not related to Niue itself. Many of them are in standard bullion sizes, based on the troy ounce - such as the half ounce of silver format (abbreviated as 1/2 oz Ag, where "Ag" comes from the Latin word for silver, Argentum).

This coin is part of the four coin Lords of Žerotín noble family set by the Czech Mint and is dedicated to Plichta of Žerotín.

The Mint says about it:
This set of four silver coins is about to the Lords of Žerotín, an ancient family who lived in Moravia and whose members are noted for their level of education, intellect and power.

Plichta of Žerotín (1291-1322) became famous as a tournament knight and as a warrior in real battles of the Middle Ages. He engaged in the fighting against the Habsburgs, longing for the throne of the extinct Premyslids, and participated in the crusade against the pagan Prussians. He died a chivalrous death in battle at Mühldorf, where he led his master John of Luxembourg to victory. His portrait has not been preserved - he is depicted in a chain mail on the reverse of the coin, wielding his sword.