Czech Republic 100 Koruna Commemorative Banknote 2026 – Vilém Pospíšil & Czech National Bank
The Czech Republic new 100-koruna commemorative banknote (BNP103a) was officially reported as introduced on 21 January 2026, marking an important historical milestone: the establishment of the central bank in Czechoslovakia. This issue honors Vilém Pospíšil, the first governor of the National Bank of Czechoslovakia, whose leadership laid the foundations of modern central banking in the country. Rather than replacing circulating notes, this is a limited commemorative issue, produced primarily for collectors and institutional remembrance.
The banknote was designed by renowned Czech painter Eva Hašková, whose artistic style blends classical allegory with modern banknote aesthetics. The result is a visually complex and symbol-rich composition that reflects financial stability, prosperity, and national heritage. The note is printed on paper, measures 194 × 84 mm, and was produced by Státní tiskárna cenin in Prague.
The front side is dominated by a finely engraved portrait of Vilém Pospíšil, surrounded by layers of symbolic and architectural detail. Also visible are piano keys, a subtle reference to harmony and discipline, and the historic building of the Czech National Bank in Prague, emphasizing institutional continuity. The denomination “100” is executed using SPARK Flow optical technology, producing dynamic color movement when tilted. Additional design elements include a cornucopia symbolizing abundance, the Czech coat of arms, co-joined registration letters, and a male angel holding a laurel wreath, an allegory of honor, wisdom, and achievement.
The reverse side continues the allegorical narrative. It features fruits representing economic growth and fertility, along with a corner view of the former Městská spořitelna Pražská savings bank, a historic pillar of Czech financial life. A striking bare-breasted angel leaning on the coat of arms and holding a beehive appears prominently; the beehive traditionally symbolizes diligence, cooperation, and orderly society—core values of a sound financial system. Co-joined registration devices are again present to enhance authenticity.
From a security standpoint, the note incorporates a solid security thread and a watermark portraying Vilém Pospíšil, complemented by an electrotype flower and the numeral “100.” These features align with high-end European banknote standards.
The commemorative note carries prefix PN, signature 5: Aleš, and was issued in a strictly limited quantity of 20,000 notes. Each note was sold in a special presentation folder for 2,500 koruna, clearly positioning it as a collector’s item rather than everyday currency.
Overall, the 2026 Czech 100-koruna commemorative banknote stands as a refined tribute to Czech monetary history, combining masterful engraving, deep symbolism, and modern security technology to honor the origins of the nation’s central banking system.