Issuance of a commemorative silver coin celebrating the 700th anniversary of John of Luxembourg’s marriage to Elisabeth of Premyslides
On Wednesday, 1 September 2010, the Czech National Bank and Banque centrale du Luxembourg put into circulation a commemorative silver coin to mark the 700th anniversary of John of Luxembourg’s marriage to Elisabeth of Premyslides.
The commemorative coin was formally presented in the Royal Hall of Křivoklát Castle by Miroslav Singer, Governor of the Czech National Bank. The event was attended by Jean Faltz, Ambassador of Luxembourg, Yves Mersch, Governor of Banque centrale du Luxembourg, Cardinal Miloslav Vlk and other public figures.
“Over the last 17 years the CNB has issued 75 commemorative silver coin designs, 27 gold coin designs and two bi-metal coin designs,” said Bank Board member Pavel Řežábek at the formal presentation of the new coin. “The total number of commemorative coins issued to date exceeds 1.9 million. Their nominal value is more than CZK 960 million. The coins issued today will increase these figures even further," added Mr Řežábek.
The CZK 200 commemorative silver coin was designed by Jakub Vlček, who also designed the 700 euro-cent commemorative coin being issued in Luxembourg. The coins have the same reverse side, but different obverse sides and descriptive texts. The Luxembourg coin is 3 mm larger in diameter (34 mm) than the Czech coin (31 mm).
“I tried to show the royal couple in love as best as I could. I believe I was successful,” said the coin’s designer Jakub Vlček.
The reverse side features the stylised figures of John of Luxembourg and Elisabeth of Premyslides at their wedding on a background of a Gothic decoration consisting of stars and dots. The inscription in Czech “SŇATEK JANA LUCEMBURSKÉHO S ELIŠKOU PŘEMYSLOVNOU” (THE MARRIAGE OF JOHN OF LUXEMBOURG TO ELISABETH OF PREMYSLIDES) and the years “1310–2010” are located all around the outer circle.
The obverse side of the Czech coin depicts the Czech lion in stylised medieval form on a background of a Gothic decoration consisting of stars and dots. The obverse side of the Luxembourg coin depicts the Grand Duke of Luxembourg. Both silver coins are minted by the Czech Mint (Česká mincovna) in Jablonec nad Nisou.
The Czech coin is minted in two quality versions, normal and proof, differing in surface treatment and edge marking. The CNB is issuing 9,600 normal quality coins and 13,900 proof quality coins. The 3,000 Luxembourg commemorative coins are minted in proof quality only.
Marek Petruš
CNB spokesman