People seek immaterial goods valuing them without precisely knowing how to obtain or keep them. Sanity, satisfaction, luck. That is what we all wish for ourselves and others. As central as these goals are, as manifold are the symbols assigned to them in the course of human history. One of the most famous symbols of luck is without any doubt the four-leaf clover which is considered to be as rare as good fortune itself. While clover generally shows only three leaves, an unusual mutation – estimates mention a ratio between 1:60 and 1:10,000 – adds a fourth leaf to the plant.

They say even Eva, when expelled from Paradise carried such a clover with her. In Christianity the plant helped to render abstract ideas concrete: with the three leaves Saint Patrick explained the Holy Trinity to the Irish – making the shamrock the national symbol of Ireland. In the four-leaf clover, by contrary, many perceived the cross, the four gospels, the four elements fire, water, earth and air, and much more. The Celtic druids also linked the four-leaf clover to the supernatural sphere utilizing the plant to ban bad spirits.

In other times and cultures the clover was conceded positive connotations, too: for the Chinese it stands for spring and summer, and in the Middle Ages it was s symbol of a romantic rendezvous.

Every year for quite some time, a new clover coin has been issued including a real four-leaf clover. The ‘ounce of silver’ which encloses the lucky charm has been a symbol of luck on its own for centuries: it was custom to give a silver penny to the newlywed in order to invoke material prosperity, and a silver coin was placed into the cradle of newborns. Hence this coin combines two lucky charms in one.

The front of the coin features the coat of arms of the Nation of Palau against a polished background, as well as the official name of the issuing country, Republic of Palau and the nominal value, 5 $. On the reverse the field contains a real four-leaf clover. Along the rim runs the legend: Better an ounce of luck than a pound of gold. Around the letters floral ornaments and four-leaf clovers are entwined. The year of issue is indicated in the lower part: 2014.

The mintage of 2,014 pieces corresponds to the year of issue. Each coin is struck to proof quality in 92.5% silver with a diameter of 38.61 mm.

The coin was minted by B.H. Mayer’s Kunstprägeanstalt GmbH. Collectors can purchase the issue through specialty dealers.



