The Slovakia design for euro coins
The Slovak coat of arms
This design features the Slovak coat of arms on which can be seen the red, white and blue national flag. The cross symbolises the country’s three main protector saints: St Benedict of Nursia, St Cyril and St Methodius. The current Pope, Benedict XVI, takes his name from St Benedict of Nursia. Saints Cyril and Methodius were brothers from Byzantium and are famous for their evangelising the Slavic people in the 9th century and the Cyrillic alphabet, created for that purpose.
The three peaks that support the cross symbolise the country’s force and stability. Originally, they depicted Mounts Tatra, Fatra and Matra. One of them being located in Hungary however, a new symbolism was needed.
The coat of arms already featured on the Slovak koruna, the national currency of Slovakia before the euro.
Design by Ivan Řehák - 1 and 2 euro coins
Bratislava Castle
The design features Bratislava castle, surrounded by the twelve stars of the European Union. The national coat of arms is engraved at the bottom and the word Slovensko, «Slovakia», is stamped underneath, underlining the importance of this monument in Slovakia. The castle is rectangular and has four corner towers, which are today the symbol of the Slovak capital Bratislava. Bratislava castle was founded in the Xth century and overlooks the Danube, the country’s largest river. On a clear day it is possible to see the Austrian capital Vienna from it. The building is currently the home of the Slovak President. The design, like the two others, was selected by popular vote after an initial choice of ten designs.
Design by Ján Černaj und Pavel Károly - 50, 20 and 10 cent coins
Mount Kriváň
This design features Mount Kriváň, the highest peak in the Carpathian Mountains which rises to 2 494 metres above sea level. Underneath are the Slovak coat of arms and the year 2009, when the coin has been minted. Mount Kriváň is a symbol of pride and national diversity in Slovakia and is also linked to many important events in Slovakia’s natural history. In particular it is associated with Ludovit Štúr, a 19th century author who celebrated the peak and fixed the rules and principles of modern Slovak.
This mount Kriváň is also featured on the 20 halierov coins, the currency for the euro. In Slovak the plural varies according to the number: Slovaks refer to 1 cent, but 2 centy and 5 centov. For the time being, Slovakia is the only country in the euro zone where this is this case.