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 standard, was dedicated to the Škoda 498 steam locomotive nicknamed Albatros.

After the collapse of the monarchy, Czechoslovakia inherited the second largest European network of local railways after Bavaria, and it struggled with a shortage of powerful locomotives in the following decades. After the end of World War II, the situation worsened, as Czechoslovak railways lost a large number of machines. The Ministry of Railways had to deal with the growing load on express trains and the need to reduce travel time. Therefore, a new locomotive of the 498 series was issued. It was beautiful and its power was not in doubt - it set the Czechoslovak speed record of a steam locomotive of 162 km / h and served faithfully for 30 years.

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.