The Holy Roman Emperor, the eleventh King of Bohemia, King of the Romans, King of Italy and Burgundy, Margrave of Moravia and Count of Luxembourg. All these titles were earned during his eventful life by famous offspring of the House of Luxembourg Charles IV, son of King John and Queen Elizabeth of the House of Přemyslids. For Bohemia he will forever remain Pater Patriae, or Father of the Homeland. During his reign the country developed and thrived in many respects, and that’s why the unique Czech Mint’s series The Period of Charles IV is dedicated to him.

During the reign of Charles IV Prague won back its former glory. When Charles IV founded here the Charles University in 1348 he also made it the first major centre of education in central Europe. The set The Period of Charles IV commemorates the most famous architectural gems thanks to which Prague has for long centuries ranked among cities worth visiting – Charles Bridge, St. Vitus’ Cathedral and Karlštejn Castle.

Karlštejn Castle has a very special position among Czech castles. Originally, it was supposed to serve as a dignified place for safekeeping of royal treasures, sacred relics and crown jewels. The foundation stone was laid on 10 June 1348 by Archbishop Arnošt of Pardubice. The construction took place between 1348 and 1357. The decoration of the interior was completed in 1365.
The castle is situated about 30 km from Prague in a protected landscape area Czech Karst. It is an ingenious and impressive tiered structure comprising many architectural gems including Well Tower, Castellan’s Lodging, Clock Tower, Imperial Palace, St. Mary’s Tower and Great Tower (or Keep). The Holy Cross Chapel is also part of Karlštejn, the largest of its kind in the world, with 129 painted wooden panels by Gothic painter Master Theoderich. The castle well is another rarity: it is 81 meters deep, it was not fed from a water spring but the water was brought to it from a brook below the castle. The bucket was lowered and pulled up by people treading in a wheel.
Since 1918 the castle has been owned by the state and it is open to the public. In 1962, it was declared a national heritage site.

Silver medal Karlštejn Castle from the set The Period of Charles IV is a refined reminder of the glamour of old times. The design for the medal was created by M.A. Josef Oplištil, the author of designs for many commemorative coins previously issued by the Czech National Bank. The obverse side of the medal Karlštejn Castle features the view of the majestic castle and the name of the castle in two languages. The reverse side is dominated by the effigy of Charles IV surrounded by renowned building that he initiated during his reign. The text on the reverse includes the name of the series and also years of the king’s birth and death. The medal made of pure silver is issued in a limited edition of 2,000 pieces.

Silver medal Karlštejn Castle is a reminder of cultural values of the Czech nation throughout centuries. An investment in silver with artistic design has a high appreciation potential because the prices of silver are currently at their low. The prognosis of growth of its value is, however, clear and invites to buy.

Affordable silver commemorative medal Karlštejn Castle from the series The Period of Charles IV links medieval and contemporary art and, at the same time, it is a smart way of appreciating your money.