Set of four gold coins from the time of George of Poděbrady 2018 Proof

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The time of George of Poděbrady

The year 2018 marks 560 years since George of Poděbrady was elected King of Bohemia. As a commemoration of the last truly Czech monarch, four gold coins of the Czech Mint were issued in succession, presenting him in several roles. Now all of these coins - with larger weights and diameters - are being issued as a complete set called The Age of George of Poděbrady.

When George of Poděbrady came into the world, no one thought that he would become one of the most important kings in Czech history. He did not come from a prestigious monarchical family, but from the nobility of the household, he was an illegitimate son brought up in the "heretical" Caliche faith and, unlike other nobles, he did not receive a first-class education. These shortcomings, however, were compensated for by his ambition and natural intelligence, which his contemporaries could only silently envy. At only 14, Jiřík fought on the winning side at the Battle of Lipany. More than military strength, however, he valued diplomacy, consensus and compromise. He became politically active at the age of 17, soon became governor of the Boleslav region, then leader of a group of nobles at the head of which he took control of Prague, and at 28 was de facto ruler of the whole country. After his election as king, he sought to create a strong, internationally respected state and its economic prosperity. He wanted to strengthen the royal authority, limit the power of the nobility and reconcile the religiously divided "kingdom of two peoples". George of Poděbrady is therefore represented on gold coins in the following roles:

King of the Dual People - Despite the fact that his country was divided into two seemingly irreconcilable camps - Calixtinite and Catholic - George of Poděbrady managed to unite it and was unanimously elected King of Bohemia.

A diplomat of peace - Jiří of Poděbrady established peace in the troubled times after the Hussite wars, peacefully rebuilding and rebuilding his country, and the goal of his diplomatic message was universal European cooperation.

King George was a gifted economist and renowned for his thrift. He successfully looked after the welfare of the Bohemian lands and the contentment of their inhabitants.

Husband and father - George of Poděbrady was married twice and fathered a total of ten children. He established strong relations with many powerful noble families through his deft marriage policy.

The author of all four coins is a leading medallist and expert on historical topics, ac. sculptor. Michal Vitanovský, who has been devoted to Jiří of Poděbrady and his dynasty since the 1980s. On the first coin you will find the symbols of the double faith and the Týn Cathedral, where Jiří of Poděbrady went for a thanksgiving service after his election. The second coin presents Jiří of Poděbrady with a peace branch and the symbolically expressed idea of peace throughout Europe. The third coin is dedicated to the Prague groat and the royal initial with the crown. The fourth coin belongs not only to the king but also to his two wives, who hold lilies representing their numerous descendants. The commemorative coins of the Czech Mint are issued under the license of a foreign issuer, which is the Pacific island of Niue, and their obverse side, which is common to the four issues, therefore bears its necessary elements - the name and portrait of the monarch Elizabeth II, the face value of 10 DOLLARS (NZD) and the year of issue 2018. These attributes include four gothic crosses with lilies.

The set of coins is issued in a mintage of just 100 pieces and is housed in an ornate wooden case. The cover features a portrait of George of Poděbrady inspired by the Chronicle of Kuthen. The Latin inscription on the front side is based on a contemporary grosz and reads 'Jiří z Poděbrad, by the grace of God, King of Bohemia'. The three stripes on the sides refer to the coat of arms of the Lords of Kunštát and Poděbrady. The certificate of authenticity is decorated with original drawings by Michal Vitanovský.