The silver two-hundred crown coin commemorates the 400th anniversary of the Holy Roman Emperor and King of Bohemia’s death. It is the first of five two-hundred crown coins issued by the Czech National Bank (CNB) in 2012. The artistic design of the coin was chosen by CNB out of many entries submitted in a country-wide anonymous competition won by academic sculptor Majka Wichnerová.

Coins for CNB are struck by Czech Mint of pure 0.925 silver in standard and proof qualities differing by the surface finish and edge. Coins in proof quality have a highly polished mint field, matted relief and the edge is smooth, while standard quality coins have a reeded edge. The diameter of the coins measures 31 mm, they weigh 13 g and are 2.35 thick.

On the obverse side, the author placed a composition consisting of five features. The main motif is Rudolph II riding a horse according to the engraving by Ägidius Sadeler. Below the hooves of the rearing horse we can see Prague in outline – by an engraving of 1606 – and the word „Praga“. Above the Prague panorama there is the initial of Emperor Rudolph II copied from the gold-plated grille at the high window of the first belfry of the south spire of St. Vitus cathedral. The composition is topped with a lion of the portal leading from the Vladislav Hall to the All Saints Chapel at the Prague Castle. The legend in circumscription reads “ČESKÁ REPUBLIKA“ (Czech Republic) and“200 Kč“ (200 Czech crowns - face value of the coin).
The reverse side features the portrait of Emperor Rudolph II with laurels by Sadeler’s engraving of 1609. The Emperor’s signature is placed below the portrait as well as years specifying the 400th anniversary of his death – 1612 and 2012. The Habsburg female eagle is featured in outline behind the portrait, the text in circumscription reads Rudolph II.

Each coin comes with a catalogue card featuring description of the coin and its three-dimensional portrayal.

Limited edition