The Czech National Bank commemorates the famous means of transport via the new five-year cycle of silver coins with a nominal value of 500 CZK. The first issue with the year 2021, which was minted in quality proof, was dedicated to the Škoda 498 steam locomotive nicknamed Albatros.

The pride of Czechoslovak engineering, which originated after the Second World War, excelled in its elegant design, which was supplemented with the paint in the colors of the tricolor. The locomotive was plum blue with a brown-red running gear, red wheelsets and a white roof. Albatros was not only beautiful but also strong. It had a power that set the Czechoslovak speed record of a steam locomotive - 162 km / h. Many of Albatros locomotives have covered more than two million kilometers. Their operation was terminated in 1976 - due to the unstoppable motorization and electrification of the Czechoslovak Railways.

The author of the coin is Asamat Baltaev, DiS., who became the winner of the Czech National Bank art competition. The expert committee especially appreciated the imaginative connection of the locomotive with the emblem of its manufacturer on the reverse side. This motif excels with an original technical solution - the impression of the relief is created thanks to an embossed hologram. The obverse side of the coin then shows a detail of the locomotive wheel.

All Czech coins - circulating and commemorative - are minted by the Czech Mint in Jablonec nad Nisou.