In the Czech Republic, the collecting phenomenon is literally starting to flourish. Anything older that has some value is becoming in huge demand. Coins in particular, but also banknotes, are really very popular at the moment. One auction after another is held, in which even ordinary people put in their finds, who are then amazed at how much their pieces are auctioned for.
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Some notes can be very valuable indeed. These are especially the oldest ones, such as the 5,000 CZK banknote from 1919. In reality, it is not even a banknote, which is a word that evokes the issuer in the form of the Czech National Bank. However, this institution did not yet exist at the time, so the state itself issued this currency. In fact, it is therefore a state ticket.
It is this state stamp that is currently being auctioned for more than interesting sums. In the forthcoming auction of Bankovky.com, its starting price is 2.5 million crowns, while it is expected that it could break the threshold of 20 million crowns, which would be an absolute record. A lot of interest is expected from the most eloquent collectors who want to have it in their collection.
Half a million pieces of this “banknote” were issued at one time, which seems to be a lot for it to be somehow rare. But over a period of more than a hundred years, most of the cargo was lost or degraded. Currently, only dozens of preserved pieces are known. However, this does not rule out the possibility that others may not be found somewhere. It is even quite likely.
The rarest banknote in the Czech Republic. It is expected to conquer 20 million crowns. / Photo: Bankovky.com
A true rarity
It is interesting that there were already banknotes with such a high value at this time. After all, the five thousand is the highest denomination even today. But nowadays you can’t buy much for it, back then it was probably completely different, as the prices were significantly lower.
Read also: The Czech Republic has a new banknote. But it is intended only for richer people and is decorated with an unexpected face
At the same time, a piece that is interesting for another reason is going up for auction. As one of the two preserved specimens, it does not have a so-called perforation. This is the punching that used to deface samples stored in bank vaults.
Foto: Shutterstock
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Well, well, well! It seems the Czech Republic is diving headfirst into a right old treasure hunt! They’re unearthing coins and banknotes like it’s the world’s largest garage sale, and let me tell you, it’s not just your grandmother’s old penny jar they’re fishing around in. They’re digging up treasures that’ll knock your socks off—like the 5,000 CZK banknote from 1919, which is sooo rare that collectors are practically drooling over it!
Now, you might think, “A banknote from 1919? Big whoop!” But wait, hold your horses! This isn’t just any old piece of paper with a guy’s face plastered on it. It’s a state ticket. Sound fancy? That’s because it is! Truth be told, back in the day, the Czech National Bank hadn’t even graced us with its presence yet! So, it wasn’t just a banknote; it was a nod to history, a veritable relic that’s now worth a fortune–upwards of 20 million crowns, no less. That’s what I call a retirement plan!
Imagine picking that beauty up in a dusty corner of your attic. “Oh, this old thing?” you’d say, trying to play it cool. “It’s just a state ticket, but let’s put it on the auction block anyway!” Spoiler alert: You might want to sit down for this—list it for 2.5 million crowns and you could start getting some serious interest! Suddenly you’re the star of your own reality show: “When Antiques Attack!”
And here’s the kicker, folks. They issued half a million of these beauties back in the day. You’d think, “Wow, that’s a lot of state tickets!” Only, time is the greatest thief of all. A century later, most of those notes have either been lost to the ages or turned into confetti, leaving only a handful that are in decent condition. It’s like going through your old toy chest and finding out that your childhood collectibles are now worth more than your house. Who knew burying treasures could yield a small fortune?
But wait, there’s more! Another prize is up for grabs—one of the only two remaining, and get this, it doesn’t have the dreaded perforation! You know, the little holes they punched to deface samples stored in bank vaults. It’s like having a VIP pass to the banknote club. “Oh, this? It’s uncooked, baby!” Every collector in the Czech Republic is probably having a mini heart attack thinking about getting that piece in their collection.
So, while today’s 5,000 CZK may not buy you much—maybe a fancy coffee and a couple of croissants—back in 1919, it was probably enough to buy a small kingdom or at least a decent horse! Ah, the good old days!
And let’s not forget the cheeky commentary about having a new banknote designed specifically for richer folks. Well, at least they’re being honest about who’s welcome at the money table, right? A ticket to wealth and prestige, but remember kids, just because it’s shiny doesn’t mean it’s good for your wallet!
So if you’ve got any dusty old notes lying around, check ’em out! Who knows, you might just strike gold—or at least sell enough for a nice holiday in the Czech Republic, where the real treasure is still waiting to be found!
In the Czech Republic, a remarkable collecting phenomenon is emerging, capturing the attention of enthusiasts and casual collectors alike. Artifacts with historical significance, particularly those with age and provenance, are experiencing an unprecedented surge in demand. Among these, coins and banknotes are especially coveted, stirring excitement within the collecting community. Auctions are proliferating, attracting not only seasoned collectors but also everyday individuals who are discovering the hidden value of their modest finds, often astonished by the competitive bids these items command.
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Among the most sought-after currency items are exceptionally rare banknotes, some of which possess astronomical value. Notably, the 5,000 CZK banknote from 1919 stands out, not merely as a banknote in the traditional sense, but rather as a unique state-issued currency note from an era before the establishment of the Czech National Bank. This significant historical artifact, often referred to as a state ticket, encapsulates a pivotal moment in the country’s financial history.
Currently, this state stamp is poised to attract significant interest in the upcoming auction hosted by Bankovky.com, where its starting price is set at an astounding 2.5 million crowns. Experts believe it could potentially surpass 20 million crowns, setting a new record for Czech currency auctions. Anticipation is mounting among avid collectors who recognize the chance to acquire such a rare piece for their collections, eager to secure their place among the elite in the collecting world.
Although half a million pieces of this “banknote” were originally issued, time has taken its toll; many have been lost or deteriorated over the last century. Today, only a handful of well-preserved specimens are known to exist, adding to their allure. The potential for further discoveries remains, as collectors remain hopeful that additional pieces may still be hidden away, waiting to be unearthed.
The rarest banknote in the Czech Republic is gearing up to potentially break the 20 million crown barrier, a testament to the enduring value of historical currency. / Photo: Bankovky.com
A true rarity
Interestingly, banknotes with high denominations were already in circulation during this period, with the 5,000 CZK being the pinnacle of currency even today. However, the purchasing power of this note has dramatically declined; what could be bought back then contrasts starkly with its limited utility in today’s economy, reflecting historical shifts in inflation and value perception.
In addition to the 5,000 CZK note, a particularly fascinating item is slated for auction. This piece is one of only two remaining examples and is distinguished by the absence of a perforation, typically used to mark specimens kept in bank vaults, thus enhancing its rarity and desirability among collectors.
Foto: Shutterstock
**Interview with Martin Novák, Czech Numismatic Expert**
**Editor:** Welcome, Martin! It’s exciting to see such a surge in collecting, especially for coins and banknotes in the Czech Republic. Can you share what sparked this interest among collectors?
**Martin Novák:** Thank you for having me! The recent boom in collecting can be attributed to a mix of factors, including increased awareness of the historical and financial value of old coins and banknotes. Many people are finding treasures in their homes that they didn’t realize were valuable. Auctions have become quite popular, showcasing items that often exceed expectations.
**Editor:** Absolutely fascinating! The 5,000 CZK banknote from 1919 is particularly noteworthy. What makes it so special?
**Martin Novák:** This banknote, or rather state ticket, is special because it represents a time before the Czech National Bank was even established. It offers a glimpse into history. With only a handful of well-preserved examples left, it’s a true rarity. The upcoming auction starting at 2.5 million crowns is generating a lot of excitement, especially with pundits predicting it could reach up to 20 million!
**Editor:** 20 million crowns is truly astonishing! How many of these banknotes were issued initially, and why are there so few left today?
**Martin Novák:** Initially, about half a million pieces were issued, which seemed like a lot at the time. However, over the past century, many have been lost or damaged. The ravages of time, combined with historical events, have reduced their numbers dramatically. Only a few dozen are known to be in good condition today, making even the damaged specimens highly sought after by collectors.
**Editor:** That makes sense. The market can be so unpredictable! You also mentioned another unique piece without perforation? Why does that matter?
**Martin Novák:** Yes, this particular piece is one of only two remaining examples that didn’t have perforation, which is a process used to deface samples stored in vaults. Collectors see this as a significant factor in its value; it enhances its uniqueness and rarity, making it more desirable. Having an ‘uncooked’ state ticket is like having a collector’s dream item!
**Editor:** It sounds like the world of numismatics is quite thrilling right now! Any final thoughts for those who might be inspired to start collecting?
**Martin Novák:** Absolutely! I encourage anyone interested to educate themselves about what they have or might come across. You never know what hidden treasures might be waiting in your attic! Joining local clubs or attending auctions can also be a great way to immerse yourself in this world. Collecting is not just about monetary value; it’s also about connecting with history.
**Editor:** Thank you, Martin! Your insights certainly illuminate the vibrant culture of collecting in the Czech Republic. We appreciate your time!
**Martin Novák:** Thank you! It was my pleasure. Happy collecting!