Cosmas’ Chronicle of the Czechs commemorated with a new CNB silver coin
The Czech National Bank is putting into circulation a commemorative coin dedicated to Cosmas, the earliest Czech chronicler. Marking 900 years since his death, the coin also honours his magnum opus, the Chronica Boemorum (Chronicle of the Czechs), which laid the foundations of Czech historiography. The coin has a denomination of CZK 200 and is made of silver.
Cosmas ranks among the important personalities of the Middle Ages. His legacy lives on 900 years after his death thanks to his chronicle, which recounts the mythical origins of the Czech nation. “Cosmas’ chronicle is a valuable work that shaped Czech historiography and national identity. We are honouring its author with a commemorative coin that brings together the historical legacy of his work and the artistic tradition of Czech coinage,” says Karina Kubelková, member of the CNB Bank Board.
The obverse side of the new coin features the Romanesque Basilica of St Vitus, St Adalbert and the Virgin Mary, accompanied by the initial “C” and the text “COSMAS DECANUS”. This Latin inscription translates as “Cosmas, dean” and refers to his role as dean of the Prague chapter. The reverse side of the coin features a writing chronicler and a Romanesque column, the silhouette of a face and a masonry wall. The coin was designed by Michal Vitanovský, whose design won the CNB’s artistic competition.
The central bank is issuing 15,200 coins, of which 5,600 are in standard quality and 9,600 in proof quality with a polished field. Each CZK 200 coin is minted from an alloy containing 925 parts silver and 75 parts copper. It weighs 13 grams and has a diameter of 31 mm. The coins were minted for the CNB by the Czech Mint in Jablonec nad Nisou. The coin’s denomination of CZK 200 does not equal the sale price. The latter is higher, reflecting, among other things, the current price of silver, production costs and VAT. The coin is available for purchase from 15 October 2025 via contractual partners for the sale of CNB numismatic material (in Czech only).
Cosmas
Cosmas, dean of the Prague chapter and the first Czech historian, is the author of the oldest Czech chronicle, the Chronica Boemorum (Chronicle of the Czechs). In it, he recorded the history of the Czech nation from the mythical arrival of the first Czechs in the Czech lands up to his own time. The original manuscript has not survived, but the chronicle is known from copies dating from the late 12th century. Little is known about his life, but historical sources suggest he lived approximately from 1045 until 21 October 1125.
Petra Vlčková
CNB spokesperson
