...Czech Republic - 100 Koruna Centennial Of The Czechosolovak Currency III 1926-2026

Ceska Republika

(The Czech Republic)

Ceska Narodni Banka

(Czech National Bank)

Currency - Koruna (CZK)

Posted below is the 2026 commemorative note of 100 koruna issued on 21.01.2026. This note formed part of the series of special 100 CZK commemorative notes first issued in 2019 (following the 2019 Rašín and 2022 Engliš issues) and is purposely designed for numismatic collectors only. 

This note celebrates the 100th year of the establishment of the Czechoslovak currency part III and it also honours the contribution of its first governor, Vilém Pospíšil.

Only 20,000 sets were issued and despite the nominal face value, I cannot confirm this, but I have been informed that the official retail price was 2,500 koruna per note. Whilst 2,500 koruna is equivalent to approximately €104 or US$123, the secondary market asking price is more than twice of that. Even sellers from the Czech Republic are offering these notes more than three times the official issue price. Such a high markup premium makes it hard for collectors to get one. I do not believe this would be a good investment and only the die-hard collectors will get one just to fill up his/her ego (that's me). Based on the current asking price, there is no shortage of this note on offer at the moment, but one has to look around to find one with the best price. I ended up buying two pieces of this and paid my first piece for US$225 (through a dealer) and the second one much cheaper at US$160 (through a very good friend). I enjoy collecting large size banknotes and I am happy to have more than one note in my collection.

All notes are issued in a simple three-fold sleeve. The prefixes of my two notes are both printed with PN10. However, I have sighted one with Prefix PJ09. For a quantity of 20,000 pieces, I am wondering why there are multiple prefixes printed and if these prefixes have any significant or important meaning? Are these some kinds of internal bank coding systems referred to? Given such a low quantity, one can even argue that if the serial number prefixes is necessary? 

 

Below are the inscriptions on the folder, which I have translated into English with the help of Google Translate; 

Cestina; -
Emitent: Ceska narodni banka, Praha
Technicke parametry: Ceska narodni banka, Praha
Podpis: Ales Michl, guverner

Navrh: akademicka malirka Eva Haskova
Liniove rozkresby a rucni ocelorytiny: Martin Srb
Graficky ceninovy design: Michal Sindelar

Naklad: 20000 kusu

Papir: Papierfabrik Louisenthal GmbH, Louisenthal
Barvy:bSICPA SA, Prilly, Chavornay
Meditiskove formy: Penzjegynyomda Zrt., Budapest
Meditiskove priprava: Statni tiskarna cenin, s. p., Praha
Sitotiskove formy: Koenig & Bauer Banknote Solutions SA, Lausanne
Cislovace: Zeiser GmbH, Emmingen-Liptingen

Tisk: Koenig & Bauer Banknote Solutions SA, Lausanne (prvek SPARK Flow®),
Statni tiskarna cenin, s. p., Praha (ostatni partie)
Vytistenon a strojich: Koenig & Bauer AG, Wurzburg

PAMETNI BANKOVKA
100 korun ceskych vzor 2026

Budovani ceskoslovenske meny

English: -
Issuer: Czech National Bank, Prague
Technical parameters: Czech National Bank, Prague
Signature: Ales Michl, Governor

 

Design: academic painter Eva Haskova
Line drawings and hand-made steel engravings: Martin Srb
Graphic design of the banknote: Michal Sindelar

Issue: 20,000 pieces

Paper: Papierfabrik Louisenthal GmbH, Louisenthal
Colors: bSICPA SA, Prilly, Chavornay
Printing forms: Penzjegynyomda Zrt., Budapest
Printing preparation: State Banknote Printing House, s. p., Prague
Screen printing forms: Koenig & Bauer Banknote Solutions SA, Lausanne
Numbering: Zeiser GmbH, Emmingen-Liptingen

Printing: Koenig & Bauer Banknote Solutions SA, Lausanne (SPARK Flow® element),
State Banknote Printing House, s. p., Prague (other parts)
Printing and printing machines: Koenig & Bauer AG, Wurzburg
COMMEMORATIVE BANKNOTES

100 Czech crowns model 2026
Construction of the Czechoslovak currency

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(courtsey of Google Translate)

 

 

One Hundred Koruna

Front - The note features the portrait of Vilém Pospíšil (b.1873-1942), the first Governor of the National Bank of Czechoslovakia. He was appointed to the governor of the central bank on 23.01.1926 and the central bank began operation on 01.04.1926. Like all central bank's activity, one of it's main functions is to safeguard the stability of the Czechoslovak koruna currency. Professionally, Vilém Pospíšil was also a qualified lawyer and publicist and apart from the Czech language, he is also fluent in German, French, English, Italian and Russian. His name, “VILÉM POSPÍŠIL” is also printed below his portrait on the note. He served as the Bank Governor for nearly 8 years and resigned together with the entire board of the bank in February 1934 when the government decided to devalue the Koruna currency. The devaluation of the koruna currency was due to the Great Depression experienced by many countries around the world, which impacted the country's economy. The devaluation was to aim at boosting sagging exports, reducing unemployment and to align the Koruna with the depreciated currencies of other major trading partners. Following his resignation, he was succeeded by Karel Englis in 1934. 

Next to his portrait of Vilém Pospíšil is an image of the headquarters building of the Czech National Bank in Prague. On top of the building is a statue of a female statue with a Lion. A cornucopia with fruit is located on the center right below the building, and the Coat of Arms of the Czechoslovak Republic printed to the left. On the top right corner is a male statue holding a laurel wreath. 

Located near the lower margin of the banknote is the name of the designer “EVA HAŠKOVÁ INV”. The other two commemorative notes of the 100 koruna commemorative series issued in 2019 and 2022 were also designed by her as well.

Governor - Aleš Michl (since July 1, 2022)

Date - 2026 (released on 21.01.2026)

Watermark - portrait of Vilém Pospíšil and electrotype 100

Quantity - 20,000 pieces/sets

Issue price - 2,500 koruna per set

Sizes - 194.5mm x 84mm

Back - On the back it depicts a corner of the former Městská spořitelna Pražská savings bank (founded in 1825 as Prague Municipal Saving Bank) in Prague. This building is currently occupied by the Česká spořitelna, the largest bank in the Czech Republic. To the right is an angel holding a beehive with her left hand. A composition of fruit is printed to the far left of the note.

In modern time banknotes collection, this is a very large note. Given that this note is sold with such a high premium, whilst it is a legal tender note, it is very unlikely you will find anyone willing to use it at face value as payment for goods and services. However, you will never know, as it is sad to say that "Some Mothers Do 'Ave 'Em". I wonder what you can get for 100 koruna in the Czech Republic?

 

...Bolivia - No Value 200th Year of Independence 1825-2025

State of Bolivia

Banco Central De Bolivia

(Central Bank of Bolivia

Currency - Boliviano (BOB)

This is a commemorative polymer note (no value) released in early August 2025 celebrating the country's 200 years of independence 1825-2025. Whilst this is a commemorative note issued by Banco Central De Bolivia, it has no value printed on it and as such is not a legal tender banknote. 

The struggle of independence for Bolivia first started in 1809, and since then the country went through many revolutions and were all defeated by the Spanish army, until 1825 when Antonia Jose de Sucre and Simon Bolivar both defeated the Spanish army. Independence was declared on 6 August 1825. 

Whilst this is a commemorative polymer note issued by the central bank, it has no value printed on the note. This note was presented to the public on 4 August 2025 and is sold at 50 bolivianos per note. A total of 1.0 million pieces have been issued. I am not sure what is the purpose of printing this with no actual value on it. At least the central bank could have just printed a nominal value of say 1 or 10 bolivianos and you will not see anyone try to transact this note commercially at a loss. A piece of plastic sheet (banknote) with no face value is less attractive to many collectors, in my opinion.

 

No Value Numismatic product

Front - On the front, the note depicts the following heroes of Latin America.

Front row (L-R)

Alejo Calatayud (b.1705-1731) - A Mestizo silversmith from Oropesa Cochabamba province who led a violent rebellion and became a local hero amongst the plebeian masses of the province. - 

 

Juana Azurduy De Padilla (b.1780-1862) - She was a guerrilla military leader from Chuquisaca, Viceroyalty of the Río de la Plata. She and her husband, Manuel Ascencio Padilla fought for Bolivian and Argentine independence, earning the rank of Lieutenant Colonel.

 

Antonio Jose de Sucre y Alcala (b.1795-1830) - Also known as the "Gran Mariscal de Ayacucho", was a Venezuelan general and politician who served as the president of Bolivia from 1825 to 1828. He served as the 2nd President of Bolivia from 1825 to 1828.

Back row (L-R) 

Jose Manuel Baca Canoto (b.1790-1854) - A Bolivian poet, musician. composer, and soldier who played a significant role in the South American wars of independence. His portrait also appears in the Bolivia currency. 

 

Simon Bolivar (1783-1830) - Full name Simon Jose Antonio de la Santisima Trinidad Bolivar y Palacios. He was a famous freedom fighter in South America and is famous in countries like Colombo, Venezuela, Ecuador, Peru, Panama and Bolivia, of course.

 

Bartolina Sisi (b.1750-1782) - An Aymara indigenous leader who led a 40,000-strong army alongside her husband, Tupac Katari (below), against Spanish colonial rule in Bolivia. She was a military commander in the 1781 siege of La Paz. She was captured and executed by the Spanish on 05.09.1782. 

 

Tupak Katari (b.1750-1781) - An Aymara who started a major rebellion against Spanish rule in Upper Peru. The rebellion failed and he was executed by the Spanish.

 

Eustaquio Mendez El Moto Mendez (b.1784-1849) - A military commander and guerrilla leader in the South American wars of independence against the Spanish rule. 

 

Signatures

Presidente a.i. BCB - Roger Wdwin Rojas Ulo

Gerente General BCB - Ruben Gonzalo Ticona Chique

Date - 2025

Sizes - 150.5mm x 70mm  

Back - On the back, it depicts the Casa de la Libertad in Sucre and the Toborochi tree. 

 

...Oman - 1 Rial Commemorative 2025 Oman's Accession Day Polymer

   سلطنة عُمان

(Sultanate of Oman)

البنك المركزي العماني

(Central Bank of Oman, Est 1974)

Currency : Rial (OMR)

 

Posted here is a polymer note of one rial reportedly released on 11.01.2026. This note is dated 2025, and was released as a commemorative note celebrating Oman's Accession Day. This is the first time in Omani currency history that a polymer banknote is released for circulation.

The Accession Day in Oman is celebrated on 11th of January to celebrate the anniversary of Sultan Haitham bin Tarik Al Said's accession to the Oman throne. The Accession Day is a public holiday in Oman, and it honours his leadership and the continued progress of the nation's 'Renewed Renaissance'. Sultan Haitham bin Tarik Al Said became the Sultan of Oman following the death of his brother, Sultan Qaboos bin Said Al Said (b.1940-2020) on 10.01.2020. The late Sultan Qaboos bin Said Al Said was married in Nawwal bint Tariq in 1976 but divorced in 1979 with no children.

In my opinion, this is a fairly large size note for the face value of one rial. This note measures 145mm x 76mm which is also the same size as the current paper banknotes in circulation.

One Rial

Front - The portrait of Sultan Haitham bin Tarik Al Said on the central right. To the left, it features the Oman Botanic Garden with a large transparent window in the shape of the arched windows which occupied a large area of the banknote. Below the arched windows are two Frankincense Trees, with one printed with optically variable ink.

Signature - Sultan Haitham bin Tarik Al Said

Date - 2025 ٢٠٢۵

Sizes - 144mm x 76mm

Back - On the back it depicts Sayyid Tarik bin Taimour Cultural Complex, Duqm Port and Duqm Refinery, which created a wonderful blend of Omani national identity. 

...Mongolia - 100000 Tugrik 2025 Commemorative Centennial of Prople's Revolution (1921-2021) and Togrog Currency (1925-2025)

 

(Mongolia)

 

Монголбанк

Bank of Mongolia (Est.1924)

Currency - Togrog/Tugrik/Tugrug (MNT)

 

These are two commemorative notes of 100,000 tugrik and the largest denomination of banknotes ever issued by the Bank of Mongolia. I understand that these notes are issued to celebrating the following occasions;-

1921-2021 - 100th Anniversary of Mongolia People's Revolution; and

1925-2025 - 100th Anniversary of Tugrik Currency (with date stamp on the back). The Mongolian tugrik was first introduced on 09.12.1925. 

According to the central bank, this is a legal tender note issued mainly as a collectible item and as such is not intended for general circulation (confusing??). However, I have also read on the Internet stating that this note is not legal tender too. So, it's a bit confusing if this note is legal tender or not. I have a feeling that this note is not legal tender due to the denomination value.

The design for these two commemorative notes are the same and completely new, with the front depicting the Mongol Empire founder, Genghis Khan and on the back with seven national heroes of the 1921 People's Revolution which later led to Mongolia's gaining independence from China on 11.07.1921. The theme of these notes depict centuries of Mongolia's history linking the horse-warriors of Genghis Khan to the revolutionary leaders that led the country's independence today.

In order to tell the difference between the two notes, the one that is for celebrating the centennial of the People's Revolution is issued as a single note, whilst the one that celebrates the centennial of the Tugrik currency has a hand-date stamp (2025-12-09) added to the back. The hand-stamped note is issued in a simple folder. 

The single note does not have this date stamp. Obviously, the date stamp was done after the note was printed and this stamp has been done manually as no two hand-stamp dates are the same on the exact location. The bank has not disclosed how many folders have been issued. Fancy stamping them one by one if this was made issued a thousand or more. I have both notes posted below.

I have no information as to why the bank did not release this note back in 2021, but one can perhaps assume it was due to Covid-19 that may have led to the delay until 2025. Better late than never.

 

One Hundred Thousand Tugrik (single note)

Front - On the front is the portrait of Genghis Khan (Chinggis Khaan b.1155-1227). His birth name was Temujin. Genghis Khan was the founder of the Mongol Empire and his conquering of China started in 1205 to 1279. The Mongol empire was the largest contiguous land empire in history, occupying about 9 million square miles, stretching from the Pacific Ocean (China) to Eastern Europe and the Middle East. The total land area held represented about 18% of the world's land area, which also includes part of Russia and Central Asia. The Mongol empire ruled China until 1368 and the occupier was replaced by the Ming dynasty (1368-1644). In the background, it depicts the landscape of Mongolia.

Signature - Byadran Lkhagvasuren (since 2019)

Watermarks - Genghis Khan and electrotype МБ

Date - 2021

Sizes - 150.5mm x 72mm

 

Back - On the back, the note honoring the 1921 People's Revolution leaders, the Mongolia famous seven national heroes who founded the Mongolian People's Party which led to the fight for independence from China and the White Russian occupier. The seven founding members are printed on an outline map of Mongolia, and to the right is a silhouette of a warrior on horseback. The seven national heroes are: -

 

Back row, from L to R 

 

(1) Dambyn Chagdarjav (b.1880-1922) - Another founding member of the Mongolian People's Party and was the first prime minister of the Mongolian People's Party in 1920. In 1992 he was replaced and subsequently executed and was replaced by Dogsomyn Bodoo.

 

(2) Soliin Danzan (b.1885-1924) - Another founding member of the Mongolian People's Party and he became the chairman of the Party Central Committee in 1921. He was responsible for the purging and executing of Dogsomyn Bodoo in 1922. He then faced his own fate and was executed in 1924.

 

(3) Damdin Sukhbaatar (b.1893-1923) - Founder of the Mongolian People's Party and leader of the Mongolian partisan army. He died at the young age of 30, reportedly poisoned by someone unknown. His portrait has been depicted on Mongolian banknotes issued since the 1994 series. (His portrait is printed in the center and the largest of the 7 portraits on this note).

(4) Dogsomyn Bodoo (b.1895-1922) - One of the founding members of the Mongolian People's Revolutionary Party. He was elected as the Prime Minister in 1921 and forced to resign in 1922. He was later charged with treason and executed on 31.08.1922, aged 37 years old.

 

(5) Dansranbilegiin Dogsom (b.1884-1941) - He was the Chairman of the State Great Khural (Head of State) for 3 years from 1936 to 1939. Like Darizavyn Losol, he was also purged by Khorloogiin Choibalsan and sent to Moscow on 08.07.1941 and was executed on 27.07.1941.

 

The two portraits in front, L to R

 

(6) Darizavyn Losol (b.1890-1940) - Another founding member of the Mongolian People's Party. He was one of the seven members (the famous First Seven) that went to the Soviet Unions seeking support for Mongolia's independence from China. He was then purged in 1939 by Khorloogiin Choibalsan and arrested and charged of counterrevolution in Moscow. He died on 25.07.1940 before his case was brought to trial.

 

(7) Khorloogiin Choibalsan (b.1895-1952) - A politician and was the leader of the Mongolian People's Republic. He ruled Mongolia as a dictator and personally purged thousands of people including two of the seven national heroes. He was once considered as the favorite of Josef Stalin but the relationship between the two deteriorated and Khorloogiin Choibalsan did not even attend Josef Stalin's 70th birthday celebration held in Moscow. Instead, he sent Yumjaagiin Tsedenbal to represent him. In 1952, Khorloogiin Choibalsan travelled to Moscow for kidney cancer treatment and died within a week of his arrival.

 

As you can see, most of these seven founders did not end up well, with most of them dying at a very young age. None of them lived to the age beyond 60 years old. You may say that in the old days, men tended to die young, but these people are more or less self-inflicted. The best were Dansranbilegiin Dogsom and Khorloogiin Choibalsan as both lived to 57 years old.

No doubt those who were purged then have since all been exonerated and are now national heroes. Despite Mongolian gaining independence in 1921, this was only achieved when Stalin forced China to give up land and since then, Mongolia everything except independence as Stalin made it a satellite state of the Soviet Union under the control of Stalin. However, it is sad to say that these seven leaders must be at loggerheads all the time during their lifetime. To me, I would call them - Dog bites (other) dog's bones - 鬼打鬼 - Hantu berlawan Hantu!! 

 

One Hundred Thousand Tugrik (Folder note)

Signature - Byadran Lkhagvasuren (since 2019)

Watermarks - Genghis Khan and electrotype МБ

Date - 2025-12-09 (manually stamped date)

Sizes - 151mm x 72mm

 

Back - In the lower left corner, the note is printed with the year date of 2021, which was the year Mongolia achieved it's independence. It seems that this note was supposed to be released in 2021 and I wonder if Covid-19 had anything to do with this note not being released then. In the lower center, the note is stamped with the date of 2025-12-09 in red, which represents the 100th anniversary of the tugrik currency. It seems that this date stamp was done manually after the manufacturing of this banknote. With this date red stamp added, I can assume that no two notes are the same, and with two different dates on this note, can this be considered as dual celebrations for the centennial of Mongolia's independence and the currency of tugrik? Somehow, I feel that with this manually red date stamp, it makes the note less authentic to me. If this was issued in the early 20th century, I have no issue but not for today. I wonder if a good or badly stamped date note would have any impact on the value of the note?

 

Folder Front Cover

 

...China - 20 Yuan ⾺/⻢年 Commemorative Year of the Horse 2026

 

  中华人民共和国

(中華人民共和國)

(Zhōnghuá Rénmín Gònghéguó)

(People's Republic of China)

中国人民银行 (中國人民銀行)

(Zhōngguó Rénmín Yínháng / People's Bank of China)

Currency : Renminbi 人民币 (CNY)

 

⾺/⻢🐎年

17 February 2026 to 05 February 2027 (353 days)

 

新年快樂

Happy New Year 

 

This is the third note of the Chinese New Year zodiac 12 cycle series, first introduced in 2025 with the Year of Dragon. For the year of 2026, it's the Year of the Horse.

 

Traditionally, the celebration for Chinese New Year is for 15 days. In China, the official holidays are for 8 days starting from 15.02.2026. I am not sure if there are any other countries that have such long continuous public holidays for one single celebration? In China, the New Year is also referred to as the 'Golden Week' holidays.

 

The designs and themes of this note are similar to the last two notes issued, featuring a Zodiac animal on the front and children activities on the back celebrating the new year. It is believed a hundred million pieces were issued to the public.

 

The fixed element for the Horse is fire and as such the year 2026 is the year of the Fire Horse in the sexagenarian cycle. The Fire Horse represents dynamic energy, symbolising passion, change, and transformation. Horses also represent strength and freedom. However, it is up to you to agree or not as in the old days, horses (and Oxen) are hard working animals and due to their contain demanded by the owners, these two hard working animals have to work from sunrise to sunset. So, if you are a Horse, and if you were born in the morning, then you may have a hard working life, and if you were born at night, you may have a more relaxed life. Agree?

 

Like those previously issued Zodiac notes, the 20 yuan is also printed in a vertical format on the front and back. 

 

Twenty Yuan

Front - On the front it depicts a galloping horse, predominantly in gold and red colours, the two most auspicious colours to the Chinese. The Coat of Arms is printed on the top left hand corner. An old traditional seal with the word '⾺' (Horse) is printed to the top right corner of the note.

 

Signature - Bank official square seal

Date - 2026年 (year)

Quantity - 100 million pieces

Dimensions - 70mm x 145mm

 

Back - It features three children playing musical instruments of gongs, a flute and a drum. In the background are traditional Mongolian yurts.

 

 

rat  ox  tiger  rabbit  dragon  snake HORSE goat  monkey  rooster  dog  pig