As the First Czechoslovak Republic emerged from the ashes of the Austro-Hungarian Empire, it sought to establish its sovereignty and identity. A pivotal aspect of this was the creation of a national currency – the Czechoslovak crown.
The journey began with the separation from the Austro-Hungarian currency, a significant move that involved stamping the existing banknotes in circulation with a distinctive mark in February 1919.
This temporary currency served as a bridge to the first issue of state treasury notes, which were introduced between July 1919 and February 1920. Adorned with art nouveau designs, these notes are not only a testament to the era’s aesthetic but also stand as some of the most beautiful and rarest pieces of the nation’s paper currency due to the limited number of well-preserved specimens.
The evolution of the Czechoslovak crown continued with a second issue between 1920 and 1923. The Czechoslovak National Bank took the helm, releasing a series of banknotes that lasted until 1935. These notes were more than just monetary instruments; they were canvases showcasing significant figures like T.G. Masaryk, Frantisek Palacky, Alois Rašín, and M.R. Štefánik. Moreover, they were emblazoned with symbols of the national revival, such as legionnaires and Slavonic motifs, reinforcing the currency’s role as a beacon of the Czechoslovak spirit.
The “Ezer Korona,” currently exhibited at the 20th Century History Museum in the National Museum of Prague, is a prime example of this rich heritage.
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