The CNB issues a commemorative coin to mark the anniversary of the commencement of tuition at the Prague Conservatory
The Czech National Bank is issuing a commemorative silver coin to mark the 200th anniversary of the commencement of tuition at the Prague Conservatory. This first coin from the new 2011–2015 schedule of issuance has a face value of CZK 200. It will go on sale on 30 March 2011.
The commemorative silver coin marks the 200th anniversary of the commencement of tuition at the Prague Conservatory. The first school year there started on 24 April 1811. “The silver CZK 200 coin will commemorate the long contribution of the Prague Conservatory to education and the development of musical culture in the Czech lands,” said Board Member and Chief Executive Director Pavel Řežábek.
The coin will be minted in two quality versions. 7,800 pieces will be produced in normal quality and 11,500 in proof quality.
The obverse side of the latest commemorative CZK 200 coin shows three musical instruments taught at the Prague Conservatory – a French horn, an oboe and a cello. The reverse side features a composition of other musical instruments – a bassoon, an oboe and a double bass. The coin was designed by Martin Dašek.
The Prague Conservatory was founded on 25 April 1808 by the signing of a declaration by the aristocratic members of the Society for the Improvement of Music in the Czech Lands. This document, in which the signatories undertook to finance education of professional musicians, is considered the founding document of the institution. Although the first school year was delayed until 1811 by the Napoleonic Wars, the Prague Conservatory is the oldest school of its kind in Central Europe.
Marek Petruš
CNB spokesman