The Czech 5,000-Koruna Centennial Banknote has drawn thousands of people to Czech National Bank branches, with collectors waiting hours to obtain the limited anniversary issue.
The Czech National Bank (ČNB) released a special version of its 5,000-koruna banknote on September 22, 2026, commemorating 100 years since the National Bank of Czechoslovakia began operations.¹
Rather than introducing an entirely new banknote design, the anniversary issue uses the existing 2023 version of the 5,000-koruna note with a distinctive holographic additional print applied to the front. A total of 200,000 notes were produced.¹
A Unique Holographic Addition
The most distinctive feature of the anniversary banknote is the large holographic element applied to the front of the note. The feature consists of a metallic foil with nanoeffects that is hot-stamped onto the banknote’s coupon area. The silver-colored foil produces changing colors and visual effects depending on the viewing angle and direction of light.¹
The Czech National Bank’s 5,000-koruna centennial issue features a large holographic nanofoil applied to the existing banknote design.At its center is a special logo commemorating the centennial of the National Bank of Czechoslovakia. The logo was designed by Czech graphic designer Jan Solpera, who also designed lettering used on Czech banknotes.
The foil also incorporates two portraits of Tomáš Garrigue Masaryk, the first president of Czechoslovakia, along with a QR code directing users to the ČNB’s centennial website. Additional micrographic and optical elements are incorporated throughout the feature.¹
Aside from the commemorative addition, the note retains the design and technical specifications of the regular 2023 version of the 5,000-koruna banknote.²
Hundreds Line Up for the Release
The anniversary banknote quickly attracted considerable attention from collectors and the general public. Before the ČNB’s Prague cash office opened at 7:30 a.m. on September 22, the line reportedly stretched approximately 700 meters through the surrounding streets. Some people arrived during the night, and lengthy queues also formed at ČNB branches in Brno, Ostrava, and Hradec Králové.³
Thousands of people visited the ČNB’s four cash offices on the first day of distribution. Demand was high enough that officials had to close the queues during the day to ensure those already waiting could be served before the offices closed.⁴
Interest continued over the following days. Several-hour waits were still reported on the second day, while the ČNB said by September 24 that lines had shortened considerably even as thousands of people continued to seek the anniversary notes.⁵
Limited to Three Per Person
Unlike many commemorative banknote products, the anniversary notes are being distributed at face value. Individuals exchange 5,000 korun (~$234 USD) in Czech banknotes for one of the special 5,000-koruna anniversary notes rather than purchasing it at a collector premium.¹
Distribution is taking place through ČNB cash offices in Prague, Brno, Hradec Králové, and Ostrava, with each person permitted to obtain a maximum of three notes while supplies last.
The anniversary banknotes remain legal tender and can be used in the same manner as regular 5,000-koruna notes. The ČNB also produced 30,000 commemorative presentation sleeves specifically for the anniversary issue. These are sold separately for 100 CZK and are limited to one per person.¹
Celebrating 100 Years of Central Banking
The issue commemorates the 100th anniversary of the National Bank of Czechoslovakia, which began operations in 1926 as the country’s independent central bank. The anniversary is being recognized through several numismatic releases from the Czech National Bank.¹
While the anniversary 5,000-koruna note is not a completely new banknote design, its prominent holographic nanofoil, limited production of 200,000 notes, and strong public response have made it a distinctive Czech commemorative issue.
Sources
1. Czech National Bank. Anniversary CZK 5,000 banknote enters circulation; exchange at ČNB offices starts on Tuesday. Czech National Bank announcement
2. Czech National Bank. CZK 5,000 banknote with additional print. Banknote details and security features
3. Radio Prague International. Hundreds queue outside Czech central bank for commemorative banknote. Radio Prague coverage
4. Czech National Bank. ČNB update on first-day demand for the anniversary banknote. Czech National Bank update
5. Czech National Bank. ČNB update on continuing public demand. Czech National Bank demand update
