The 1993 versions of the CZK 5,000 and CZK 1,000 banknotes ceased to be legal tender on 1 July 2001. The 1996/2008 versions of the CZK 1,000 banknote and the 1999/2009 versions of the CZK 5,000 banknote remain legal tender
The valid versions of the banknotes differ from the invalid versions in that they contain a graphic symbol, a shiny iridescent strip, orange protective fibres and optically variable ink of a different colour. The invalid banknotes have been exchangeable at offices of the CNB since 1 July 2004 and will remain so until further notice.
Under CNB Decree No. 37/1994 Coll. (pdf, 132 kB), the exchange of invalid banknotes and coins is free of charge at all banks.
However, a prescribed packaging standard must be observed if a large quantity of banknotes is to be exchanged, i.e. the notes must be smoothed and aligned according to side and direction of print and placed in bundles of 100 with a tape around them. For example, if 320 banknotes are to be exchanged, they must be put into three bundles of 100 with a tape around them and the remaining banknotes can be submitted loose. If this procedure is not followed, banks are entitled to charge a fee for work relating to the recounting of banknotes. They are also entitled to charge a fee if banknotes are submitted for exchange unsorted together with other denominations.
Pictures of the 1993, 1996 and 2008 versions of the CZK 1,000 banknote
Pictures of the 1993, 1999 and 2009 versions of the CZK 5,000 banknote