An Arabian horse with the breed’s dished head and high tail carriage opens the equine series of private fantasy pieces «Saint Denis», struck in the form of a 1 crown coin. Saint-Denis is the capital of the French overseas department of Réunion, but this issue has nothing to do with official French or Réunion coinage: it is a souvenir medal shaped like a coin.

One side shows a coat of arms and the legend «SAINT DENIS ONE CROWN», the other a horse with the Spanish caption «PURASANGRE ARABE 2018», meaning «purebred Arabian». The breed took shape in the Arabian Peninsula and is regarded as one of the oldest modern breeds, raised by the Bedouin as war horses for endurance and a calm temperament.

Arabian blood helped shape the Thoroughbred, the Morgan, the Quarter Horse and many other breeds, so it is a natural first subject for the series. The same series continued with the Andalusian in 2019 and the Shire in 2020, making it possible to assemble the full trio.

The piece suits a horse-themed collection and a section of fantasy issues of «non-existent» money. UNC means it never circulated: the relief shows no wear, with only minor handling marks possible.

Items on related themes to go with this piece can be found in the VPcoins catalogue.