Token Czech Lion 2025 color stand

The Prague Collector Fair is the largest gathering of collectors in Central and Eastern Europe. It attracts lovers of postage stamps, postcards, gramophone records, minerals, banknotes, and, of course, coins. The Czech Mint is an integral part of the fair, and in 2025 it has prepared a special product for visitors – a colored commemorative medal featuring the Czech lion. If you didn't make it to Letňany, don't worry – you can also purchase the medal here in our e-shop...

The most famous story about how the exotic lion became the symbol of the Czech lands is the legend of Bruncvík – a mythical prince who traveled to distant Africa, where he helped the king of animals in his fight against a fierce lioness. A more credible explanation is offered by ancient chroniclers. According to them, in 1158, Emperor Frederick I Barbarossa rewarded Prince Vladislav II with a royal crown and a new heraldic animal, which replaced the previous eagle. The lion represented the virtues of a knight, strength and courage, which Vladislav demonstrated during the conquest of Milan in the emperor's service. And how did the heraldic beast get its second tail? Once again, heroism played a role. In 1204, King Přemysl Otakar I helped Emperor Otto IV in the fight against the Saxons, and for this, the Czech lion received a second tail, which distinguished it from the beasts of other nations and gave it unique prestige. However, medieval writers liked to embellish their stories and are not a reliable source of information. Therefore, only one thing is certain – the first truly documented Czech lion was the symbol of the Přemyslid dynasty and appears on the equestrian seal of Vladislav Jindřich from 1203. The lion was elevated to the symbol of the entire country by Přemysl Otakar II, the Iron and Golden King.

The obverse side of the medal is dominated by the crowned head of the majestic Czech lion. The patriotic motif from the studio of AsamatBaltaev, DiS., is rendered in vivid colors, which were achieved using coloring technology. On the reverse side, you will find the Czech flag and a QR code that links to the Czech Mint website.

The commemorative medal, made of base metal, is set in packaging decorated with the new logo of the Czech Mint, which was unveiled at the Collector 2025 trade fair.