Silver Coin 500 CZK Steam Locomotive Škoda 498 Albatros 2021 Standard

Silver Commemorative Coin 500 CZK - Famous means of transport - Steam locomotive Škoda 498 Albatros

On the reverse side of the 500 crown, the steam locomotive Škoda 498 Albatros is depicted on a part of the emblem of its manufacturer. The image of the locomotive with the impression of relief is created by an embossed hologram. At the left edge of the coin is the text 'ŠKODA', at the bottom edge of the coin is the text '498' and the mark of the author Asamat Baltaev, DiS. The text '2021' is placed above the author's mark.

On the obverse side of the five hundredth crown is a part of a locomotive wheel. The text "CZECH" is placed in the upper right part of the coin. In the upper left part of the coin, the text 'REPUBLIKA' appears around the circumference of the wheel. The denomination of the coin with the abbreviation of the monetary unit "500 CZK" is located at the bottom of the coin. The mark of the Czech Mint, which consists of a composition of the letters 'Č' and 'M', is placed below the abbreviation of the monetary unit.

Škoda 498 - Albatros

After the end of World War II, the Czechoslovak railway was faced with a shortage of fast locomotives. During the occupation their production was stopped and production was concentrated on freight locomotives and guns. Replacement of the damaged and obsolete machines was addressed by the Ministry of Transport as early as the summer of 1945.

On 6 October 1945, the ČSD placed an order with the Škoda Works in Plzeň for the one-off production of 40 steam locomotives intended for heavy express trains on the main lines. The design was based on the 486.0 series from the 1930s, with minor modifications.

The first Škoda 498.0 was completed at the end of 1946 and production continued until June 1947. Soon after entering service, the locomotive was nicknamed the Albatross due to its blue and white paint with red wheels and running gear. The author of the visual design in the national colours was the academic painter Vilém Kreibich.

The successful type 498.0 was followed in the 1950s by the more powerful 498.1, nicknamed Albatros One. Nevertheless, the ever-increasing power requirements and the gradual electrification of the railway pushed the Albatros to the sidelines. The last machines intended for reserve use were retired in 1979.

The first refurbished Albatros returned to the line in 1986 as a historic locomotive intended for excursion lines and special runs.

Each silver coin is placed in a protective plastic capsule in a dark blue box. An integral part of the box is a certificate of authenticity issued by the CNB.

This product is part of the following product sets: