A new commemorative coin of the first long-distance flight by Jan Kašpar
The CNB is issuing a commemorative silver coin to mark the 100th anniversary of the first long-distance flight by Jan Kašpar. The CZK 200 coin will go on sale on 27 April 2011.
The commemorative silver coin celebrates the first long-distance flight in Bohemia. Czech aviation pioneer and aircraft designer Jan Kašpar flew from his home town of Pardubice to Prague in an aeroplane of his own construction.
Jan Kašpar’s aeroplane is the central motif of the commemorative coin. It is depicted in flight on the obverse side. In the lower part is the skyline of Pardubice dominated by the Green Gate. The skyline of Hradčany in Prague is located above the aeroplane. The reverse side of the coin features an aeroplane propeller in phased motion. The coin was designed by Josef Šafařík.
The coin is minted in two quality versions. 7,800 pieces will be produced in normal quality and 11,600 in proof quality with a polished field and a matt relief.
Jan Kašpar (1883–1927) undertook this first long-distance flight on 13 May 1911. It took him almost two hours to reach Prague. His aeroplane is now part of the collection of the National Technical Museum in Prague.
Marek Petruš
CNB spokesman