Art meets numismatics with this highly stylized trade coin featured today as part of our blog series covering the 100 Greatest Modern World Coins from Whitman Publishing. Stemming from a post-war, newly formed nation, authors Charles Morgan and Hubert Walker guide us along in detail with this coin that came together from a collaboration of distinguished artists. Let’s get to it.
#73 – Czechoslovakia 1937 Gold 10 Dukatu
After the First World War, there we nine new nations formed, and the first Czechoslovak Republic was one of them. The 10 dukatu was used as a gold trade coin issued by this brand new nation between 1929 and 1938, and then again in 1951. Perhaps the most important and unique thing about this large trade coin was its design and the collaborators that came together for it.
A professional artist and professor at an art school in Prague, Jaroslav Benda was an extraordinarily talented painter, graphic artist, and creator of original typefaces (unique font designs) he designed and published throughout his career. Otakar Španiel was a tremendous sculptor and medalist that was largely inspired by his studies in Paris and was well-known for his portrait work. The two came together for the masterful artwork presented on the “run-of-the-mill" trade coin that authors Morgan and Walker have placed in this top 100 list.
The design on the obverse features the Czechoslovakian coat of arms which depicts a Bohemian lion wearing a three-pointed crown and carrying the shield of Slovakia. A tree branch is seen to the right while 14 dots surround the coat of arms, and the numeral 10 is below. Inscribed around the outer rim is REPUBLIKA ČESKOSLOVENSKÁ and 1937. The reverse showcases St. Wenceslas on a horse holding a sword and branch while his two fingers are presenting a Christian hand symbol. NEDEJ·ZAHYNOUTI·NÁM·I·BUDOUCÍM is inscribed around the outer edge, which means “Do not let us and future ones perish.” The date of +929 and the engraver’s/designer’s initials, B-O·Š, are also inscribed.
The 10 dukatu, as well as the 5 dukatu, were not legal tender coins in Czechoslovakia. Trade coins usually are issued as bullion coins (gold or silver) and are only used in international trade, not for currency in the borders of the issuing country. The 10 dukatu was struck with a low mintage of 1,000 pieces or less, making it a rarity gold type.