Czech Republic. Innovative, Optical See-Thru Design Element Features on Latest Silver Collector Coin

The Czech National Bank release new collector silver coins featuring an aeronautical icon.

by Michael Alexander | Published on June 24, 2025

As part of the Czech National Bank and Czech Mint’s on-going series entitled ‘famous means of transport’ series, the latest, fifth and final coin focuses on air transport. Of particular importance to the theme and design is that the coins include a unique and innovative optical see-thru feature which interacts with light.

It was the Czechoslovak company Aero Vodochody who began developing the new L-39 Albatross trainer in the 1960’s, building on experience with the previous L-29 Delfín model. The project was led by Professor Jan Vlček in cooperation with the-then Soviet Central Aerohydrodynamic Institute. The aircraft was powered by the Ivčenko AI-25 turbofan engine, which began to be produced under license at the Prague Motorlet as the AI-25W. The first flight took place in 1968, and serial production began in 1971.

 Within a short time-frame, the L-39 became famous as the most widely used aircraft of its type in the world. The two-seat, single-engine, low-wing jet aircraft excelled in its versatility and universality of use. It was designed for basic and advanced training, but was also used in combat missions as a light attack aircraft and could also engage air targets. Thanks to its excellent flight characteristics and easy handling, it was also ideal for aerobatics, where it dazzled with its unprecedented elegance. An undemanding and reliable machine with simple maintenance and low operating costs, it was designed to operate without problems even from unpaved surfaces, so it is no wonder that it was chosen by more than 40 military operators based in all conceivable climatic conditions. 

The Aero L-39 won numerous awards and was introduced at the prestigious Paris Air Show in 1977 which was successfully exported to many countries. The Aero L-39 became a symbol of top Czechoslovak aviation engineering as well as a technical and design icon representing a significant milestone in the history of Czech industry. By 1993, almost 2,800 aircraft had been produced, two years later the L-39 Albatross model was discontinued and an additional units had been built. Development continued on an updated model with modernised versions, including the L-159 and the latest L-39NG. It is testimony to its quality and design that hundreds of them are still flying in military and civilian service.

The coins are produced by the Czech Mint at their facilities in Jablonec nad Nisou and on behalf of the Czech National Bank. The design for last coin in the current series was the result of a competition organised by the committee of the National Bank who chose the submission of the academic sculptor Zbyněk Fojtů. The obverse side are two Aero L-39 aircraft in flight and below to the lower part is an instrument with an artificial horizon in a mirror image. To the right of the two aircraft is an image of the original logo of the Aero Albatross Company. Just below the aircraft is the optical see-thru lens feature with an image of a central navigational instrument with an artificial horizon. Along the lower rim is the text · AERO · L· 39 · 2025 · Near the left rim is the insignia of the designers initials ZF representing Zbyněk Fojtů. The reverse side features an Aero L-39 aircraft as viewed from the front. Separated from the upper design is a part of the dashboard with three instruments. The central instrument with an artificial horizon is created from the optical see-thru lens feature. Above the primary design and along the upper rim is the text ČESKÁ REPUBLIKA. Along the lower rim is the denomination 500 Kč and the logo of the Czech Mint is placed just near the left rim. Proof versions also include an incused edge inscription ČNB * CVIČNÝ LETOUN * L-39 *.

The optical lens feature is designed to be interactive with a laser pointer or the LED light of a cellular or mobile phone. Shine the light through lens against a light background and you will clearly see the silhouette of the airplanes which will be visible.

DenominationMetalWeightDiameterQualityMintage Limit
500 Koruna.925 Silver26.1 g.40 mm.BU10,760
500 Koruna.925 Silver26.1 g.40 mm.Proof19,240

Available from the 11th June, both the BU and proof strikes are encapsulated and presented in a blue case branded with the logo of the Czech National Bank and accompanied with a certificate of authenticity. For additional information, please visit the e-webshop of the Czech Mint.

Other coins in the Famous Means of Transport series includes The Škoda 498 Albatros steam locomotive (2021), Jawa 250 motorcycle (2022), Tatra 603 passenger car (2023)  and ČKD Tatra T3 tram (2024). Other commemorative coins will be issued in the second series Famous Means of Transport between 2026 and 2030.

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Author: Michael Alexander

Michael Alexander image Michael’s background in both numismatics and banknotes spans more than three decades and whose activities have varied from being a dedicated world coin collector to coin & medal design, marketing, theme concept and production. His additional interests include banknote research and in 1997, he founded the London Banknote and Monetary Research Centre to further these interests and activities. The company continues to offer monthly currency bulletins to both online and printed publications which includes information about the latest banknote news and releases from Central Banks and Monetary Authorities around the world. Michael has been a contributor to COIN NEWS magazine based in the UK since 1998 where many of his in-depth interviews, articles and bulletins have been published.

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