The first Czech gold coins were minted in 1325. The creation of John of Luxembourg's florins is commemorated exactly 700 years later by a two-piece set from the Czech Mint. It includes a reissue of the historic florin and a themed commemorative medal.

"Much of the land can be used for pots, but little of it yields gold," says a little-known Czech proverb. Our country has never been rich in gold, but even so, at a time of global decline in mining, it was a significant source of wealth in Europe. "When all the kingdoms of the world have dried up with gold, only Bohemia in our time is fertilized by gold," noted naturalist Albertus Magnus in his work from 1250. At that time, scarce gold was used exceptionally for coinage, and silver was the dominant coinage metal. Gold coins were only produced in large quantities in Byzantium and the Muslim world. The turning point in European coinage came in 1252, when wealthy Florence began minting the so-called florins. These successful gold coins soon became a model for mints in other countries., they began to be minted in Bohemia in 1325, by decision of John of Luxembourg. This king was a true medieval knight, who was brave, noble, and at the same time not inclined to save money. Therefore, he needed a currency that would show off how powerful, influential, and rich he was. Czech florins did not differ much from the Italian model – they featured the Florentine lily and St. John the Baptist, but they also had additional details in the form of a two-tailed lion and the name of John of Luxembourg. Gold coins did not become the new currency in Bohemia – too few were minted for that – but they greatly facilitated international payments and the accumulation of wealth...

The set is the joint work of two experienced medal makers. The faithful reproduction of the historical florin of John of Luxembourg was created by academic sculptor Jan Lukáš. The thematic commemorative medal is the work of academic sculptor Zbyněk Fojtů. Its obverse side, inspired by the Gelnhausen Codex, depicts John of Luxembourg on horseback. The reverse of the medal features the king's complete coat of arms. The relief on both sides is complemented by contemporary decoration.

The mintage is limited to only 100 complete sets.