The CNB is issuing a commemorative coin to mark the anniversary of the birth of Jiří Melantrich
The Czech National Bank is putting into circulation a commemorative silver coin to mark the anniversary of the birth of Renaissance publisher and printer Jiří Melantrich of Aventinum. The coin, with a face value of CZK 200, will be available for purchase as from 15 June.
The CZK 200 commemorative silver coin was designed by Jan Smrž. The main motif on the obverse side is a composition of five books, while the reverse side is dominated by a depiction of the title page of the Bible published by Jiří Melantrich of Aventinum in 1570.
The coin is minted in two quality versions. 7,900 pieces will be made in normal quality and 11,600 pieces will be proof quality coins with a polished field and a matt relief.
Jiří Melantrich of Aventinum (born Jiřík Černý) was a 16th century publisher. His first major work was a print of the Bible made in 1549, when he was still employed at the printing works of Bartoloměj Netolický. In the 1560s, as an independent publisher and printer, he published the famous Herbarium by Pietro Andrea Matthioli in Czech and German. The only surviving portrait of Melantrich is on the title page of the Bible he printed in 1570.
CNB spokesman
Marek Petruš