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Nature and countryside conservation - Slovenský raj (Slovak Paradise) National Park

Silver 500 Sk commemorative coin

Motif of the protection of nature – Slovensky Raj National Park

Slovakia is a country rich in natural beauty. In spite of its relatively small size, all types of surface relief are found on its territory, from flat plains to high mountains. Many natural formations and areas have been declared as protected areas because of their especial value. There are five national parks and several protected landscape areas.

Slovensky Raj (the Slovak Paradise) was declared as protected landscape area in 1964, and a national park in 1988, because of its unique natural beauty. The landscape is characterized by imposing canyons, deep gorges and ravines, a multitude of waterfalls and a  wealth of caves and chasms. There are 180 caves in the park, of which only the Dobsina Ice Cave is accessible to the public. The gorge of the River Hornad is of outstanding natural beauty. The national park, including protected areas, covers an area of 32,764 ha, of which 90% is covered by woodland. It is notable for its variety of flora and fauna.

Description of the coin
Obverse Reverse
Obverse:
The protected plant, Pulsatilla slavica, is depicted to the left. The nominal value, name of the state “SLOVENSKA REPUBLIKA”, year of issue and the coat of arms of the Slovak Republic are placed to its right.		 Reverse:
The Machovy waterfall in the Vysny Kysel gorge is depicted in the centre of the coin. The inscription “NARODNY PARK SLOVENSKY RAJ” (Slovak Paradise National Park) is given in description.

Coin’s data
Designer: Imrich Svitana
Material: Ag 925, Cu 75
Weight: 33.63 g
Diameter:

40 mm
Edge: inscription OCHRANA PRIRODY A KRAJINY
(Protection of nature)
Producer: Kremnica mint (Slovak Republic)
Number of
pieces minted:		 29,900
of which 2,400 proof
Demonetized: 11 200 in brilliant uncirculated quality (2002)
600 in brilliant uncirculated quality (2006)