The COIN ZOO
Obverse
SARPLANINAC
Obverse
Reverse
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;)
Country: Macedonia
Area: Europe
Animal Class: Mammals
Approx. Size: 24mm
Area: Europe
Animal Class: Mammals
The Sarplaninac [shar-pla-NEE-natz] (aka Yugoslavian Shepherd Dog) is a medium-sized dog breed from the Balkans. The Sar is well known in the Balkans and has long been an important guardian of livestock. The dog is described as calm and aloof with outsiders, but when a threat presents itself the dog erupts into swift ferocity. They were used as military dogs by Tito, and are still used by the armies of Serbia and Montenegro. Apparently the Sar can win a fight with a wolf and even a bear. Their use is spreading through North America as a serious and extremely effective guardian of livestock.
Approx. Size: 24mm
Country
Macedonia
Area: Europe
Coins: 3
Shortly after World War II, Yugoslavia set the borders and recognized the Socialist Republic of Macedonia as a separate nation within Yugoslavia. In 1991, the Republic of Macedonia peacefully seceded from Yugoslavia. However, Macedonia's neighbour to the south, Greece, took issue with the name since there was already a region in northern Greece known as Macedonia. Further, Macedonia is also the name given to a loosely defined geographical (and historical) region of the Balkan peninsula in south-eastern Europe. Because of the naming dispute, the United Nations has agreed to refer to the country as the Former Yugoslav Republic of Macedonia (or FYR Macedonia for short). Despite this ongoing name dispute, Greece and Macedonia are cooperating and Greece is the most important foreign investor in the country with over half the total investments. The original name comes from the ancient kingdom of Macedon, which was briefly the most powerful state in the ancient near east after Alexander the Great conquered most of the known world. Because of its ancient history, Macedonia has a rich cultural heritage, particularly in religious architecture and art. Its thousands of square metres of beautifully preserved Byzantine fresco paintings are among the best in the world [example]. The country also features perfectly preserved monasteries and churches, particularly from the 11th and 15th-16th centuries. Macedonia is a candidate for membership in the European Union.
Area: Europe
Coins: 3
Shortly after World War II, Yugoslavia set the borders and recognized the Socialist Republic of Macedonia as a separate nation within Yugoslavia. In 1991, the Republic of Macedonia peacefully seceded from Yugoslavia. However, Macedonia's neighbour to the south, Greece, took issue with the name since there was already a region in northern Greece known as Macedonia. Further, Macedonia is also the name given to a loosely defined geographical (and historical) region of the Balkan peninsula in south-eastern Europe. Because of the naming dispute, the United Nations has agreed to refer to the country as the Former Yugoslav Republic of Macedonia (or FYR Macedonia for short). Despite this ongoing name dispute, Greece and Macedonia are cooperating and Greece is the most important foreign investor in the country with over half the total investments. The original name comes from the ancient kingdom of Macedon, which was briefly the most powerful state in the ancient near east after Alexander the Great conquered most of the known world. Because of its ancient history, Macedonia has a rich cultural heritage, particularly in religious architecture and art. Its thousands of square metres of beautifully preserved Byzantine fresco paintings are among the best in the world [example]. The country also features perfectly preserved monasteries and churches, particularly from the 11th and 15th-16th centuries. Macedonia is a candidate for membership in the European Union.