Silver coin ČNB 500 Kč Steam locomotive Š498 Albatros PROOF

2021
year

ČNB
issuer

40 mm
diameter

2,6 mm
thickness

0,8038 troy oz (25,00 g) Ag
weight

92,5% Ag
purity

PROOF
grade

12000 piece
mintage cap

500 CZK
nominal value

The new five-year cycle of Czech National Bank silver coins with a face value of CZK 500 features famous means of transport. The first issue with the year 2021, which was minted in the proof version, resembles the Škoda 498 steam locomotive nicknamed Albatros.

After the collapse of the monarchy, Czechoslovakia inherited Europe's second largest network of local railways after Bavaria and in the following decades faced a shortage of powerful locomotives. After the end of World War II, the situation worsened as Czechoslovak Railways lost a large number of machines. The Ministry of Railways had to deal with the increasing load of fast trains and the need to reduce journey times. The answer was the new 498 series locomotive. It was beautiful and there was no doubt about its power - it set the Czechoslovak speed record for a steam locomotive of 162 km/h and served faithfully for 30 years.

The winner of the art competition of the Czech National Bank and the author of the coin was Asamat Baltaev, DiS. The expert committee appreciated especially the imaginative connection of the locomotive with the emblem of its manufacturer on the reverse side. This motif is distinguished by its original technical solution - the impression of relief is created by means of an embossed hologram. The obverse side of the coin then shows a detail of the locomotive's wheel.