The year 2024 marks 600 years since Jan Žižka of Trocnov breathed his last. A large commemorative medal of the Czech Mint, minted from one kilogram of pure silver, pays tribute to the great leader on this occasion.

A national hero, an undefeated general, a brilliant strategist, a destroyer of the Crusaders and an implacable defender of the legacy of Master Jan Hus, but also a bandit, a murderer, a heretic and a destroyer of monasteries. The Hussite legend Jan Žižka of Trocnov has many faces - his life, which is shrouded in mystery, gives plenty of room for speculation. It is uncertain whether he was born in a storm under a mighty oak tree, whether and why he was truly blind, whether he led the first Prague defenestration, or whether he ordered that after his death drums be made from his skin that would continue to lead the Hussites to victory. Adding to the contradictory image of the medieval warrior is the fact that some regimes have sought to eradicate his legacy, while others have placed him on a pedestal. But one thing is certain - the man who turned the attention of the whole Christian world to a small country in the heart of Europe has an indelible place in our history…

The author of the majestic medal is the academic painter Karel Zeman - a lover of history and warfare. The obverse side presents a charismatic portrait of Jan Žižka with an eye patch and a dagger in his hand. The commander is accompanied by Hussite warriors, whose banner and pavé bear the symbol of the chalice. The reverse side of the medal is dominated by a scene from the implacable struggle between the Hussites and the Crusaders. The Chalice rider, with a lit torch, passes the burning city and the entwined remains of the slaughtered knights. The gloomy scene is framed by the characteristic Hussite weapons - barrels, flails, sprinkler, tarrasnice and the rope.

The medal boasts an elaborate high relief, which is highlighted by a patina. The issue limit is only 200 pieces, with each specimen hand numbered on the edge.