A long-eared, sad-eyed Basset Hound is the hero of this 2013 silver Fiji ounce from the dog series MY BEST FRIEND. The breed comes from France: its name derives from the French bas, «low», and these short-legged hounds were bred to hunt rabbits and hares on foot.

Only the Bloodhound has a keener nose than the Basset, and its long ears seem to stir up scent from the ground as it moves. The modern breed took shape in England: French bassets had arrived there by the 1870s, and in the 1890s Everett Millais crossed them with a Bloodhound to produce a heavier type. Worldwide fame came with the Hush Puppies shoe logo, where a Basset named Jason appeared in 1958.

The coin is struck in proof with a coloured image and an inlay; the obverse by Sergey Podrojkin carries the arms of Fiji and the motto Rerevaka na Kalou ka doka na Tui. Proof means a mirror field and frosted relief from polished dies, a collector’s striking: a fine gift for a Basset owner and a standout piece in a dogs-on-coins collection.

Coins from the VPcoins catalogue are collected by seasoned numismatists and newcomers alike.