Gold 5000CZK coin Jizera bridge on Tanvald-Harrachov railway line proof

Since 2011, The Czech National Bank has issued a unique series highlighting extraordinary constructions in the country – focusing on significant bridges. Gold commemorative coins denominated CZK 5,000 are an exceptionally well-done issue and a gem belonging to refined collector sets.

Bridges of the Czech Republic series contain altogether ten gold coins. They are struck by Czech Mint and designed by foremost Czech creative artists. The seventh coin in the series presents the railway bridge on the cog railway line Tanvald-Harrachov. The original design is the work of academic painter Vladimír Pavlica who precisely depicted the bridge’s architecture and used an untraditional combination of positive and negative font types. The obverse side features three heraldic animals, the town emblems of Tanvald and Harrachov as well as the inscription Česká republika – Mosty (Czech Republic – Bridges).

In addition to being a remarkable piece of architecture, the Jizera bridge has a very interesting history. It is part of the railway line Tanvald-Harrachov that was built between 1899–1902. Its main purpose was to connect the Liberec and Jablonec regions with western Silesia.

In 1992, the 12km section between Tanvald and Harrachov was declared a cultural heritage site. It is known as "Kořenov Toothed Rack Rail" or "Polubenka" – and features a unique more than four-kilometer long two-track Abt rack system. This well preserved system helps overcome the altitude difference on 235 meters where the maximum gradient is 58 per thousand, i.e. the steepest in the Czech Republic. Kořenov cog railway is a widely popular tourist attraction both for its unique technology and for the splendid natural scenery visitors can see from the train. The 116.5 meters long and 25 meters high Jizera bridge is the best known construction on this railway line. It consists of a steel construction and brick pillars.

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