The Czech National Bank's series of silver coins with a nominal value of 500 CZK, which will commemorate famous means of transport over a period of five years, presents its fifth issue. The coin with the year 2025, which was minted in standard quality, is dedicated to the Aero L-39 Albatros jet trainer.

When the Aero L-29 Delfín won the Warsaw Pact competition for a standard jet trainer in 1961, it was a huge success for Aero Vodochody. Following a decision by the Council for Mutual Economic Assistance, Czechoslovakia became the main supplier of aircraft in this category, and our designers immediately began to come up with ideas for the next generation. The result was the L-39 Albatros, which took off for the first time on November 4, 1968 and became famous as the most widely used aircraft of its type in the world. The two-seat, single-engine, low-wing jet aircraft excelled in its versatility and universality of use. It was designed for basic and advanced training, but was also used in combat missions as a light attack aircraft. However, it could also engage air targets. Thanks to its excellent flight characteristics and easy handling, it was also ideal for aerobatics, where it dazzled with its unprecedented elegance. An undemanding and reliable machine with simple maintenance and low operating costs, it was designed to operate without problems even from unpaved surfaces, so it is no wonder that it was chosen by more than 40 military operators based in all conceivable climatic conditions. Production of the Albatros was discontinued in 1995 and almost 3,000 units had been built. Hundreds of them are still flying in military and civilian service.

The commemorative coin featuring the Albatros was designed by academic sculptor Zbyněk Fojtů. The expert committee of the Czech National Bank particularly appreciated the "faithful depiction of the aircraft in motion and the view of the cockpit". A special feature is the optical viewing element that runs through the entire thickness of the coin and is therefore visible from both sides. This element takes the form of an aircraft instrument known as an artificial horizon. And that's not all! If you shine a laser pointer through the element, it will project the silhouettes of two Albatrosses onto the wall.

All Czech coins – both circulation and commemorative – are minted by the Czech Mint in Jablonec nad Nisou.