Silver coin 200 CZK Consecration of Saint Wenceslas Chapel in Saint Vitus Cathedral stand

The Czech National Bank issued a silver coin with value of 200 CZK in quality standard on the occasion of the 650th anniversary of the consecration of one of the most important treasures of medieval architecture - St. Wenceslas´ Chapel at St. Vitus Cathedral.

The chapel, the design of which is the work of Peter Parler and Charles IV, is situated above the tomb of St. Wenceslas. It therefore recalls the reliquary cupboard and is conceived as the presence of heavenly Jerusalem. The entire lower part was covered with polished precious stones embedded in gilded stuccoes, and the walls were covered with passion cycle paintings, including the depiction of Charles IV. The most famous and most significant work of the chapel is the stone cult statue of St. Wenceslas carved directly by Petr Parler. The chapel was consecrated by the the Father of Homeland in 1367 and became a part of the coronation ceremony of the Czech kings, and regardless of religion it is still a spiritual symbol that is dear to the whole nation.

The competition of the Czech National Bank was hosted by the academic sculptor Zbynek Fojtu this time. His first drafts occupied the first two competition races. The reverse side of the winning design was inspired by the expensive decoration of the chapel - the statue of St. Wenceslas and the sophisticated wall paneling. The obverse side of the coin is then dominated by the view of the high canopy of the star vault.

All commemorative coins issued by the Czech National Bank are embossed by the Czech Mint in Jablonec nad Nisou.