...Czech Republic - 100 Koruna Centennial Of The Czechosolovak Currency III 1926-2026

Ceska Republika

(The Czech Republic)

Ceska Narodni Banka

(Czech National Bank)

Currency - Koruna (CZK)

Posted below is the 2026 commemorative note of 100 koruna issued on 21.01.2026. This note formed part of the series of special 100 CZK commemorative notes first issued in 2019 (following the 2019 Rašín and 2022 Engliš issues) and is purposely designed for numismatic collectors only. 

This note celebrates the 100th year of the establishment of the Czechoslovak currency part III and it also honours the contribution of its first governor, Vilém Pospíšil.

Only 20,000 sets were issued and despite the nominal face value, I cannot confirm this, but I have been informed that the official retail price was 2,500 koruna per note. Whilst 2,500 koruna is equivalent to approximately €104 or US$123, the secondary market asking price is more than twice of that. Even sellers from the Czech Republic are offering these notes more than three times the official issue price. Such a high markup premium makes it hard for collectors to get one. I do not believe this would be a good investment and only the die-hard collectors will get one just to fill up his/her ego (that's me). Based on the current asking price, there is no shortage of this note on offer at the moment, but one has to look around to find one with the best price. I ended up buying two pieces of this and paid my first piece for US$225 (through a dealer) and the second one much cheaper at US$160 (through a very good friend). I enjoy collecting large size banknotes and I am happy to have more than one note in my collection.

All notes are issued in a simple three-fold sleeve. The prefixes of my two notes are both printed with PN10. However, I have sighted one with Prefix PJ09. For a quantity of 20,000 pieces, I am wondering why there are multiple prefixes printed and if these prefixes have any significant or important meaning? Are these some kinds of internal bank coding systems referred to? Given such a low quantity, one can even argue that if the serial number prefixes is necessary? 

 

Below are the inscriptions on the folder, which I have translated into English with the help of Google Translate; 

Cestina; -
Emitent: Ceska narodni banka, Praha
Technicke parametry: Ceska narodni banka, Praha
Podpis: Ales Michl, guverner

Navrh: akademicka malirka Eva Haskova
Liniove rozkresby a rucni ocelorytiny: Martin Srb
Graficky ceninovy design: Michal Sindelar

Naklad: 20000 kusu

Papir: Papierfabrik Louisenthal GmbH, Louisenthal
Barvy:bSICPA SA, Prilly, Chavornay
Meditiskove formy: Penzjegynyomda Zrt., Budapest
Meditiskove priprava: Statni tiskarna cenin, s. p., Praha
Sitotiskove formy: Koenig & Bauer Banknote Solutions SA, Lausanne
Cislovace: Zeiser GmbH, Emmingen-Liptingen

Tisk: Koenig & Bauer Banknote Solutions SA, Lausanne (prvek SPARK Flow®),
Statni tiskarna cenin, s. p., Praha (ostatni partie)
Vytistenon a strojich: Koenig & Bauer AG, Wurzburg

PAMETNI BANKOVKA
100 korun ceskych vzor 2026

Budovani ceskoslovenske meny

English: -
Issuer: Czech National Bank, Prague
Technical parameters: Czech National Bank, Prague
Signature: Ales Michl, Governor

 

Design: academic painter Eva Haskova
Line drawings and hand-made steel engravings: Martin Srb
Graphic design of the banknote: Michal Sindelar

Issue: 20,000 pieces

Paper: Papierfabrik Louisenthal GmbH, Louisenthal
Colors: bSICPA SA, Prilly, Chavornay
Printing forms: Penzjegynyomda Zrt., Budapest
Printing preparation: State Banknote Printing House, s. p., Prague
Screen printing forms: Koenig & Bauer Banknote Solutions SA, Lausanne
Numbering: Zeiser GmbH, Emmingen-Liptingen

Printing: Koenig & Bauer Banknote Solutions SA, Lausanne (SPARK Flow® element),
State Banknote Printing House, s. p., Prague (other parts)
Printing and printing machines: Koenig & Bauer AG, Wurzburg
COMMEMORATIVE BANKNOTES

100 Czech crowns model 2026
Construction of the Czechoslovak currency

Send feedback

(courtsey of Google Translate)

 

 

One Hundred Koruna

Front - The note features the portrait of Vilém Pospíšil (b.1873-1942), the first Governor of the National Bank of Czechoslovakia. He was appointed to the governor of the central bank on 23.01.1926 and the central bank began operation on 01.04.1926. Like all central bank's activity, one of it's main functions is to safeguard the stability of the Czechoslovak koruna currency. Professionally, Vilém Pospíšil was also a qualified lawyer and publicist and apart from the Czech language, he is also fluent in German, French, English, Italian and Russian. His name, “VILÉM POSPÍŠIL” is also printed below his portrait on the note. He served as the Bank Governor for nearly 8 years and resigned together with the entire board of the bank in February 1934 when the government decided to devalue the Koruna currency. The devaluation of the koruna currency was due to the Great Depression experienced by many countries around the world, which impacted the country's economy. The devaluation was to aim at boosting sagging exports, reducing unemployment and to align the Koruna with the depreciated currencies of other major trading partners. Following his resignation, he was succeeded by Karel Englis in 1934. 

Next to his portrait of Vilém Pospíšil is an image of the headquarters building of the Czech National Bank in Prague. On top of the building is a statue of a female statue with a Lion. A cornucopia with fruit is located on the center right below the building, and the Coat of Arms of the Czechoslovak Republic printed to the left. On the top right corner is a male statue holding a laurel wreath. 

Located near the lower margin of the banknote is the name of the designer “EVA HAŠKOVÁ INV”. The other two commemorative notes of the 100 koruna commemorative series issued in 2019 and 2022 were also designed by her as well.

Governor - Aleš Michl (since July 1, 2022)

Date - 2026 (released on 21.01.2026)

Watermark - portrait of Vilém Pospíšil and electrotype 100

Quantity - 20,000 pieces/sets

Issue price - 2,500 koruna per set

Sizes - 194.5mm x 84mm

Back - On the back it depicts a corner of the former Městská spořitelna Pražská savings bank (founded in 1825 as Prague Municipal Saving Bank) in Prague. This building is currently occupied by the Česká spořitelna, the largest bank in the Czech Republic. To the right is an angel holding a beehive with her left hand. A composition of fruit is printed to the far left of the note.

In modern time banknotes collection, this is a very large note. Given that this note is sold with such a high premium, whilst it is a legal tender note, it is very unlikely you will find anyone willing to use it at face value as payment for goods and services. However, you will never know, as it is sad to say that "Some Mothers Do 'Ave 'Em". I wonder what you can get for 100 koruna in the Czech Republic?

 

...Czech Republic - 100 and 200 Koruna 2018 Reprints

Ceska Republika

(The Czech Republic)

Ceska Narodni Banka

(Czech National Bank - ČNB)

Currency - Koruna (CZK)

 

These are the only two notes I have from the 1997-2018 series. The two notes posted here are the 100 and 200 koruna, both printed with the year date of 2018. The 100 koruna was first introduced in 1997, whilst the 200 koruna was introduced the following year. Despite being a member of the European Union since 2004, the Czech Republic has not adopted the Euro common currency yet. Out of the 27 EU members, seven nations have yet to adopt the Euro common currency. Until they all do, this can be seen as a weakness among the 27 members.

I believe these are the only two notes issued with the year date of 2018, and based on the reprints since it was introduced, these are the two most commonly circulating notes in the country. This is the 7th print for the 100 koruna and the 6th for the 200 koruna since they were first introduced in 1997 and 1998 respectively.

 

One Hundred Koruna

 Front - The note features the effigy of Karel IV (Charles IV 1316-1378). Karel IV was the King of Bohemia and King of the Romans (1346-1378); and Holy Roman Emperor, King of Italy from 1355 until his death in 1378.

 

 

Governor - Jiri Rusnok (01.06.2016 - 2022)

Watermarks - Karel IV (Charles IV 1316-1378) and electrotype 100

Dimensions - 141mm x 69.5mm

Back - The Seal of Charles University in Prague. Charles University was established in 1347 and was opened in 1349. Charles University ranks the best university in the Czech Republic. In case you wonder, the late socialite and entrepreneur Ivana Trump (nee Zelnickova b.1949-2022) graduated from this university with a Master degree in physical education.

 

Two Hundred Koruna

Front - John Amos Comenius (b.1592-1670), a philosopher, pedagogue and theologian. He is considered the father of modern education in the Czech Republic.

 

 

Governor - Jiri Rusnok (01.06.2016 - 2022)

Watermarks - John Amos Comenius and electrotype 200

Dimensions - 147.5mm x 70.5mm

Back - The children's book of Orbis Pictus, first published in 1658 by John Amos Comenius. Image of joined hands of an adult and a child.

...Czech Republic - 100, 500 And 1000 Koruna Provisional Issues 1993 with Adhesive Stamps

Ceska Republika

(The Czech Republic)

Ceska Narodni Banka

(Czech National Bank - ČNB)

Currency - Koruna (CZK)

 

Posted below are three notes of 100, 500 and 1000 koruna all originally printed and issued between 1961 and 1985 during the union of Czechoslovakia. The three banknotes that I have posted here all have an adhesive stamp on the top left corner of the note and are considered as the first three notes issued by the Czech Republic following the breakout that split Czechoslovakia into two nations in 1993.

The dissolution of Czechoslovakia took place on 31.12.1992 when the country split into the Czech Republic and Slovakia. To the locals, this separation is also known as Velvet Divorce, just like the 1989 Velvet Revolution (a.k.a. Gentle Revolution) which ended the country's one-party communist rule. 

 

I believe the discussion for separation by politicians first started in early 1992, despite opinion polls on both sides were in favor of the union to be continued.

 

Following the separation, the old Czechoslovakia koruna continues to be used in both countries, however, the new Czech government was worried that this may cause some forms of economic losses and on 02.02.1993, the government passed a new law to have new banknotes to be issued for the Czech Republic. As a temporary measure until new notes have been printed and issued, the government decided to introduce existing and previously issued Czechoslovakia notes but with an adhesive stamp over them. The three notes below were then released on 08.02.1993 as provisional banknotes until new currency is issued.

 

Whilst we all think that this decision was made after the separation occurred, it was reported that the Czech authority had earlier secretly prepared and printed the adhesive stamps for this purpose well before the separation came into effect. Only three notes were issued with the adhesive stamps but not for other lower denominations. Each stamp is printed with four small Roman letters on all 4 corners and an Arabic numeral in the center identifying the denomination of the banknotes to which it is then affixed to the note - C and 100, D and 500 and M and 1000. Obviously, the Roman numerals represent the value for each note. When these provisional banknotes were issued, each person was allowed to exchange up to 4,000 koruna in value and 1,000 koruna for those 15 years old or below. In 1993, new banknotes with new designs were issued and these three provisional issued notes affixed with adhesive stamps were then withdrawn from circulation on 31.08.1993 and ceased legal tender on 31.05.1994.

 

I am not sure why these three notes were selected for this exercise. I can understand that the government may not want to select notes that have images that are associated with the last communist regime. Given the short notice, the authority may also have to consider the availability of banknotes in stock to cater for public demand. I can understand the selection for the 100 and 1000 koruna notes. but not sure why they selected the 500 koruna note dated 1973. I wonder if the design on the front for the two soldiers are Czech/Slovaks or Russians. It should be noted that since 1951, this is the only 500 koruna note ever printed.

One Hundred Koruna

 

Signature - NA

Watermark - Repeated pattern of stars inside of the leaves

Date - 1961

Dimensions - 165mm x 79mm

Front - A couple of farmers with the woman holding a sheaf of wheat under her left arm. In the center is an Atomic symbol, and below that is a view of a factory and power station with smoke coming out of the two chimneys. For this note, there are a few variations mainly on the watermarks and different adhesive stamps used and different prefixes.

 

Back - A view of Charles Bridge across the Vltava river in Prague. This is a 516 meters long medieval stone arch bridge which was first constructed in 1357 during the reign of King Charles IV. The bridge was originally known as Stone or Prague bridge and since 1870, it has been known as Charles bridge.The design on this note (both front and back) are just beautiful. The note is simple and not overly designed with features, and looking at the back of the notes is like looking at a photo of the bridge in black and white colours. Modern notes are not designed like this anymore due to counterfeiting. This is just my opinion as beauty is in the eyes of the beholder. If you have this in a bigger size, you can hang it up in your living room.

Five Hundred Koruna

 

Signature - NA

Watermark - Stars and leaves

Date - 1973

Dimensions - 153mm x 68mm

Front - Two soldiers both carrying Russian made sub-machine guns PPSh-41. This sub-machine gun was first put into service in 1941 and was intensively used during the last great war as well as the Korean war. To the right are Partisans of the SNP 1944 (Slovak National Uprising). These partisans were formed in 1944 to resist the German's invasion of Slovakia but failed as it only lasted for two months from August to October 1944. Above that is the view of a castle on a hill.

 

Back - The main design for this note is the image of the ruins of Devin Castle, which is located in the city of Bratislava, the capital city of Slovakia. This castle was built around 864 AD. To the bottom left is a medieval shield.

One Thousand Koruna

 

Signature - NA

Watermark - Stars and leaves

Date - 1985

Dimensions - 159mm x 68mm

 

Front - An image of Bedrich Smetana (b.1824-1884) who was a Czech composer. He is widely regarded as the father of Czech music. Flower in the center with the Coat of Arms over it.

 

Back - View of Vltava river with Vysehrad on top of a cliff. Vysehrad is a historical fort in Prague. This fort was built in the 10th century. The Vltava river is the longest river in the Czech Republic.

Collecting this series tends to give me some form of understanding and satisfaction about why banknotes are issued and because of this, I bought this set without hesitation. Getting this set is like getting a piece of the history of the Czech Republic. Instead of overprinting these with text to identify them as new series, the bank decided to place adhesive stamps over it instead. I am not sure why or which one is cheaper or more secure against counterfeiting. This exercise was not against inflationary measures but more of protecting the country's economy. I wonder if there are any pros and cons between the text over print versus adhesive stamp?

 

...Czech Republic - 1000 Koruna 30th Year Of The Central Bank And Czech Koruna Currency

Ceska Republika

(The Czech Republic)

Ceska Narodni Banka

(Czech National Bank - ČNB)

Currency - Koruna (CZK)

 

This is a commemorative note of 1000 koruna/crown released on 08.02.2023, celebrating the country's 30th year of the establishment of the Central Bank (ČNB) and the Czech currency of koruna, following the breaking up of Czechoslovakia on 01.01.1993.

 

The design for this commemorative note is based on the current 2008 series of the 1000 koruna note but with added additional print of a logo to mark this special occasion. A total run of 200,000 pieces have been issued. This new commemorative note was issued as a circulating note, and distribution for this note was limited to five pieces per person. The distributions were made available at five cities in Prague, České Budějovice, Plzeň and Ústí nad Labem, Hradec Králové, Brno and Ostrava. It was reported that long queues were formed on the day of release, and despite 200,000 pieces available, all were sold out on the same day. Given the huge popularity and demand, in my opinion, it is very unlikely any of these notes were ever circulated in the Czech economy, after all, it is now worth much more than the face values printed on the note. However, what I do not understand is that the 100 koruna overprint commemorative issued in 2019 was also restricted to 200,000 pieces, and that at the time of its release, the selling price for this note was very reasonable, and not as inflated as this 1000 koruna commemorative note. Was the 2019 notes not sold out as fast as it was released then, unlike this 1000 koruna 2023 commemorative? I can now see that the 100 koruna overprint commemorative note issued in 2019 is selling more than 20 times what I had paid for then.

The birth of the Czech koruna resulted from the split of Czechoslovakia in 1993. Czechoslovakia ceased to exist on 01.01.1993, when it split into two independent nations, and called the Czech Republic and Slovakia. The separation was known as the "Velvet divorce", and it was done in a peaceful manner with no arm conflicts or loss of lives. It was reported that the separation was decided by politicians from both sides, without a referendum being called, despite that public opinion at that time was in favour of preserving the country as one. The division of assets was done on a two-to-one ratio in favour of the Czech republic, reflecting the population of Czechoslovakia back then. At the time of the separation, the Czechs and Slovaks combined accounted for two-thirds of the population.

 

Czechoslovakia was formed on 28.10.1918, following the end of the First War Ward. Prior to that, the country was occupied by the Austria-Hungary empire until the end of the First World War. 

This is the second circulating commemorative note issued since 1993. As mentioned above, the first was the 100 koruna note printed with a commemorative logo marking the 100th anniversary of the introduction of the Czechoslovak koruna, and was issued in 2019.

The design for this commemorative note is similar to the current 1000 koruna note first issued in 1993, but with added commemorative text on the watermark area to the left-hand side of the note. This note is based on the 2008 series. The current Bank Governor is Ales Michl, who was appointed on 01.07.2022 for a six-year term. However, this note bears the signature of Zdenek Tuma, who was the Bank Governor from 2000 to 2010. A total of 200,000 pieces have been issued at face value.

 

It appears that many prefixes are printed for this commemorative series, all with the letter R with two numeral digits. It also looks like all notes are printed with fairly low serial numbers as well. Here I have posted two of the same note with matching serial numbers but different prefixes.

One Thousand Koruna (s/n R90 000358)

Frantisek Palacky (b.1798-1876)

Front - An image of Frantisek Palacky (b.1798-1876). Frantisek Palacky was a Czech historian and politician. He is also considered as one of the three Fathers of the Nation in the Czech Republic. The other two are King of Bohemia Charles lV and Tomas Garrigue Masaryk, President of Czechoslovakia from 1918 to 1935. To the left is printed with the commemorative text: - 

 

ČNB

1993

30

2023

Governor - Zdenek Tuma (tenure 2000-2010)

Watermark - image of Frantisek Palacky and value 1000

Dimensions - 159mm x 75mm

Back - Flapping wings eagle, Archbishop's Castle in Kromeriz. It is believed that this castle was built in the 15th century and was once used as the residence for the bishops and archbishops of Olomouc. The official name for this castle is called Gardens and Castle at Kromeriz. The medieval building is now listed as an UNESCO World Heritage Site.

Flapping wings eagle

One Thousand Koruna (s/n R92 000358)

Frantisek Palacky (b.1798-1876)

Flapping wings eagle

...Czech Republic - 100 Koruna Dated 2022 Commemorative 100th Year of Czecholosovak Currency 1922-2022

Ceska Republika

(The Czech Republic)

Ceska Narodni Banka

(Czech National Bank)

Currency - Koruna (CZK)

This is the second of the Czech Republic (Czechia) three banknotes commemorative series, with the first note released in 2019. Like the first issue, this note also has a face value of 100 koruna, and was issued on 30.03.2022, with a total of 20,000 sets minted in a simple 3-fold folder. The three notes commemorative series are all devoted to Czech economists and the theme of building the Czechoslovak currency. The denomination of 100 (koruna) is used as all three banknotes celebrate the centennial of the establishment of the Koruna currency in 1919; the establishment of the Czechoslovak Koruna currency in 1922; and the establishment of the National Bank of Czechoslovak in 1926. The next note will feature the portrait of Vilem Pospisil, who was the first governor of the National Bank of Czechoslovak, after it was established in 1926. Needless to say, this third note is expected to be released in 2026 to mark the centennial of the National Bank of Czechoslovak/Czechoslovakia (1926-2026).

Like the first issue, the design of this series is completely new and is only released in a folder. All notes are sold at a premium. This new note celebrates the 100th year of the establishment of the Czechoslovak koruna currency. Whilst the official adoption of the koruna currency started in 1919, the koruna (krone/korona) was also used during the Austria-Hungary empire era (1867-1918). After the end of the First World War in 1918, when the Austria-Hungary empire was defeated, only Czechoslovak retained the use of the koruna currency. In 1993, Czechoslovakia split into two sovereign states; the Czech Republic and Slovakia, and in 2004, the Czech Republic became a member of the European Union. Since joining the EU, the Czech Republic has yet to decide when to adopt the Euro common currency. Only eight members of the EU are not using the Euro currency at the moment. Apart from the Czech Republic, the other countries are Bulgaria, Croatia, Denmark, Hungary, Poland, Romania, and Sweden.    

 

In order not to confuse you, this is how the name of Czechoslovakia changed over the years since the end of World War One in 1918, when the Austria-Hungary empire was dissolved; -

1918-1938 : Czechoslovak Republic;

1938-1939 : Czech-Slovak Republic;

1939-1945 : Nazi German occupation World War Two;

1945-1960 : Czechoslovak Republic;

1960-1989 : Czechoslovakia Socialist Republic;

1990-1992 : Czech and Slovak Federative Republic;

Since 1993 : Czech Republic

Between 1919 and 1926, the banking system in the country was known as The Banking Office of the Ministry of Finance. In 1926, it established the central bank system and was called The National Bank of Czechoslovak. In 1950, the communist regime renamed it to The State Bank of Czechoslovakia. Following the split of Czechoslovakia, the central bank also split into two different banks, the Czech National Bank and National Bank of Slovakia on 01.01.1993.

 

Like the 2019 100 koruna commemorative note, this 2022 issue is also designed by Eva Haskova. The intended third and final note will also be designed by her as well (or has it been designed). The purpose of this is to maintain artistic and technical uniformity for the entire three note series. Needless to say, the format and features of the third series will be very similar to the first two notes.

One Hundred Koruna

Karel Englis (b.1880-1961)

Front - Karel Englis (b.1880-1961). He was an economist, political scientist, the First Republic's Minister of Finance of Czechoslovak and the founder of teleological economic theory. Together with Alois Rasin (First Minister of Finance of Czechoslovak), he was involved in the Czechoslovak currency reform after the First World War, and served in six governments as the Minister of Finance from 1920 to 1931. Between 1934 and 1938, he was the Governor of the Central Bank. After the Second World War ended, he withdrew from public life but was constantly targeted by the communist regime. He died in 1961 as a poor man at the age of 81 years old. To his right is the headquarters building of the Czech National Bank in Prague topped by a statue of the Genius with a Lion. Next to it is the Silesian eagle. This note is also printed with a unique hologram depicting the Order of Tomas Garrigue Masaryk medal.

Back - On the back, it features two giants on the facade* of the Clam-Gallas Palace in Prague, and in the background is the former headquarters of the Ministry of Finance of the Czechoslovak Republic (1918-1938). The large Coat of Arms of the Czech Republic is located at the top center of the note.

Governor - Jiri Rusnok (since 01.06.2016)

Imprinter - State Security Printing Works of Securities, Prague

Quantity issue - 20,000 folders

Designer - Eva Haskova

Dimensions - 195mm x 85mm (large size note)

former headquarters of the Ministry of Finance of the Czechoslovak Republic

Folder outer layer

Folder inside

Footnote *; -

Somehow, I am unable to successfully compare the titans image depicted on the note against the images that I can find on the Internet, especially the titan on the right. It appears that this is a mirror image of what I can find. There must be more than one in that building.

 

I am also unable to find out the official issue price for this commemorative note. It is not sure if the notes are available to collectors or have been distributed via various numismatic dealers in the country. Needless to say, based on the face value, the market price for this note skyrocketed upon release. However, a collector in The Czech Republic informed me that the Central Bank sold the note for 2000 CZK each. The 2019 commemorative note was sold at 1000 koruna each.

...Czech Republic - 2 x 100 Koruna 100th Year of Currency Commemorative 1919-2019

Ceska Republika / Czech Republic

Ceska Narodni Banka (Czech National Bank)

On 30.01.2019, Czech National Bank issued two commemorative notes of 100 Koruna (Crown) celebrating the nation's 100th year of issuing its national currency. This is the first time in the history of Czechoslovak since its creation in October 1918 or the Czech Republic, that the nation has issued commemorative banknotes. For these two notes issued, one is based on current circulating issue but with silver colour commemorative text overprint on the front and the other one has a completely new design and is sold as a numismatic product at a premium. Both notes are legal tender.

The two notes are measured as followed: -
Overprint Note - 70mm x 141mm
New Design - 85mm x 195mm

The design of the first note is very similar to the current circulating 100 Koruna note but with the commemorative text printed on the left hand side of the note - "CNB 1919 100 LET Kč 2019" (Czech National Bank 1919 100 Years Krone 2019). The note features the effigy of Karel IV (Charles IV 1316-1378) on the front and the Seal of Charles University in Prague on the back. Karel IV was the King of Bohemia and King of the Romans (1346-1378); and Holy Roman Emperor, King of Italy from 1355 until his death in 1378. This note is dated 2018.

A total of 200,000 pieces have been issued and distributed by 6 Czech National Bank branches throughout the country. Each person was restricted to 3 pieces at a time. This note is issued at face value and is meant for general circulation.

The other note has a completely new design. This is also a very large note in size. The front of this note features the portrait of the Czechoslovak first Minister of Finance Alois Rasin (b. 1867-1923) and the building of the Czech National Bank in Prague. On the back, it has the facade of the building of the State Printing Works of Securities in Prague, former headquarters of the Banking Office of the Ministry of Finance and the National Bank of Czechoslovakia. This note is printed with the year date 2019 on the front. On the back, it is also printed with the year dates 1919-2019. Whilst only 20,000 sets were printed, it has been reported that at least 8 prefixes have been printed (RB01, RH02, RI03, RC04, TG01, TE02, TD03 & TF04). It is not sure why or if any of the prefixes have any significant meanings. However, I can see that the second letters are printed with B, C, D, E, F, G, H and I and followed by 2 numerals, like 01, 02, 03 & 04. It should also be noted that not all prefixes are printed with 01, 02, 03 or 04 i.e. RB01 but not with RB02 or RB03 or RB04. This note has the watermark of Alois Rasin.

As the quantity issued for this note is only 20,000, one would assume that each prefix would have printed up to 2,500 sets each (2,500 x 8 = 20,000). Unfortunately this is not the case as I have seen notes with nos 00077x and 0038xx for sales. My assumption is based on all serial number commences from 000001 onward. I guess we will never know unless we can get confirmation from the central bank. This note is sold in a folder at an official issue price of 1,000 Koruna. This is a large note measuring 85mm x 195mm. This note is printed predominately in yellowish-orange colour, on both front and back.

The signatures on both notes belong to the central bank governor Jiri Rusnok. He was appointed to the position on 01.07.2016. Prior to that, he was the 10th Prime Minister of the Czech Republic briefly between 10.07.2013 to 29.01.2014.

The planning for this Alois Rasin note started in October 2017, when the Czech National Bank requested the public to submit designs for this new commemorative note. Fifteen artists submitted a total of 17 designs. The designs were then narrowed down to 8 and then further reduced to 3 to choose from. The winning design went to the artist Eva Haskova. I believe Eva Haskova, an award winning artist, was born in 1946 and is a Czech living in Prague. Her name is also printed on the bottom edge of the note. This note is printed by Statni Tiskarna Cenin, Statni Podnik in Praha (Prague).

According to my Internet searches, Alois Rasin's first appointment as the Finance Minister in 1918 was not an easy position for him as he had to implement unpopular and tough policy in stabilizing the currency in order to avoid high inflation in the country. This led to strong hostility among the people against him. His Finance Minister position only lasted for a year and ended in 1919. In 1922, he was again appointed as the Finance Minister under the new government led by Antonin Svehla to tackle the country's high inflation and high unemployment crises. However, on 05.01.1923, he was shot by Josef Soupal (b.1903-1959), a young anarchist and died after a long period of suffering on 18.02.1923. He was only 56 years old.

The Koruna currency was first established well before 1919. After the fall of the Austria-Hungary empire in 1918 (08.06.1867-11.11.1918), only Czechoslovakia retained the use of the Koruna currency. Following the Velvet Revolution (aka Gentle Revolution) in 1989, Czechoslovakia then split into two sovereign states of the Czech Republic (also commonly known as Czechia) and Slovakia in 1993. Since then, both nations retained the Koruna as their own currency and on 01.05.2004, both nations joined the European Union. In 2009, Slovakia adopted the Euro currency.

Whilst the Czech Republic has been a member of the EU community since 2004, it has yet to adopt the Euro currency. It seems that the population of the republic is still not ready to give up their own identity to embrace the new image of Europe. The last opinion poll conducted has indicated that only 20% of the Czechs are willing to give up the Koruna currency.

One Hundred Koruna (Overprint Commemorative)

Dated 2018/2019

Reverse

One Hundred Koruna (New Design)

Dated 2019, size 85mm x 195mm

Reverse - S/N RC04 001480

Reverse - S/N TF04 002790

Folder Front Cover

Inside Folder

Booklet Front Cover

Footnote:-
I have posted two of the new commemorative notes here. I bought the first note back in February 2019 and I thought it was lost in the mail. I went on and purchased another one in April 2019 and within a week of my second purchase, the first one arrived. Now I ended up with two of these beautiful notes in my collection.

...Czech Republic

Twenty Koruna, Dated 1994 P10a

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