The sum value of all our current coins and banknotes is a lovely 8,888 CZK – of course taking into account only their nominal value. However, there is another kind of value which can only be enumerated with difficulty – the esthetic value. Since 1918 Czech and Czechoslovak coins and banknotes have showcased the creative genius of numerous artists – Alfons Mucha, Karel Svolinský, Otakar Španiel, Max Švabinský and others. In 1993 the most recent set of banknotes went into circulation, designed by academic painter and graphic artist Oldřich Kulhánek. The Czech Mint has taken his magnificent compositions and issued them in the form of gold-plated coins. In 2015, it was the turn for the Czech one hundred crown note, featuring Emperor and King Charles IV.

The participation of Oldřich Kulhánek in the competition of the Czech National Bank for the design of new banknotes was no surprise. He had already very successfully flirted with this field before – his design for the 10 CZK banknote showing Master Paul of Levoča won first prize in 1971. But the exquisite design depicting the statue of St. James the Apostle from the Levoča altar found few adherents in the regime so the banknote was never printed. Fortunately, Oldřich Kulhánek did not abandon his craft and today we can boast of having some of the most beautiful banknotes in the world.

Kulhánek’s signature style clearly shines in the medal with the motif of the 100 CZK banknote. The bust of Charles IV on the obverse side of the banknote was made into a relief by academic sculptor Vladimír Oppl. On the reverse is the precision crafted seal of Charles University, which was prepared based on the reverse of the banknote by daughter of Oldřich Kulhánek and talented graphic artist MgA. Klára Melichová.

The silver gold-plated medal carries a beautiful artistic message in exceptional glossy proof quality, combining the affordability of silver with the high esthetic value of gold. Fill that empty space in your collection with another unique piece from the Czech Mint!