Commemorative silver coin to mark the 100th anniversary of the birth of Jiří Kolář

Preparation of designs for the coin – competition conditions (pdf, 476 kB) – in Czech only
Technical preparation of the coin – competition results – in Czech only

On 24 September 2014 the Czech National Bank is putting into circulation a CZK 500 commemorative silver coin to mark the 100th anniversary of the birth of graphic artist and poet Jiří Kolář. The coin is minted from an alloy containing 925 parts silver and 75 parts copper and is issued in two versions, normal quality and proof quality, which differ in surface treatment and edge marking. Proof-quality coins have a highly polished field, a matt relief and a plain edge with the inscription in Czech “ČESKÁ NÁRODNÍ BANKA * Ag 0.925 * 25 g *”. Normal quality coins have milled edges. The coin is 40 mm in diameter, weighs 25 g and is 2.85 mm thick. As with any other coins, deviations in diameter of 0.1 mm and thickness of 0.15 mm are allowed. Upward deviations in weight of 0.26 g and silver content of 1% are permitted.

The obverse side features a motif of an apple whose surface is covered with texts using the chiasmage technique, which was employed by Kolář. Written around the outer circle is the name of the state “ČESKÁ REPUBLIKA” and the denomination and abbreviated monetary unit “500 Kč”. The coin was minted by the Czech Mint. Its mark, in the form of the letters “Č” and “M”, is located above the letter "B" in the word "REPUBLIKA". The coin is the work of two graphic artists. The obverse side was designed by sculptor Jiří Věneček. His initials, in the form of letters "jv", are situated above the letter "U" in the word "REPUBLIKA"- The reverse side of the coin features a portrait of Jiří Kolář made using the rollage technique. The inscription "JIŘÍ KOLÁŘ" is situated above the portrait and the years "1914–2014" below the portrait. The reverse side was designed by Martin Dašek. His initials, in the form of the letters “MD”, are situated near the lower edge of the coin. Each coin comes with a green catalogue card containing a description and the relief of the coin.

The Czech National Bank sells its commemorative coins through contractual partners licensed to trade in numismatic material.