On 24 September 2014, renowned Czech poet and creative artist Jiří Kolář would celebrate his hundredth birthday. After he was forced to leave the country after he had signed Charter 77, he gained recognition and renown in Paris where he spent 18 years and became a citizen of France. After the velvet revolution he returned to his home country and lived in turns in Prague and Paris until his death in 2002. From 1960s Jiří Kolář prepared more than 300 exhibitions, published ten monographs, tens anthologies, children’s books, catalogues and rare beautiful books in very limited edition. The Czech National Bank (CNB) pays tribute to him by issuing a silver commemorative medal in proof quality denominated CZK 500.

The design for the silver medal was chosen from 38 entries in the design competition organized by CNB which were submitted by 23 artists. Two of them were selected by the jury to make the model for the medal: the obverse side was created by academic sculptor Jiří Věneček, while the reverse side is the work of Martin Dašek. This combination gave rise to an untraditional and impressive work that splendidly captures the values of the artist whose work extends beyond frontiers as well as generations. Jiří Kolář medal will be a striking piece in your collections, make sure to order it from Czech Mint as soon as possible!