Modern banknotes do not compare to classic Czechoslovak notes, says collector
Do you know what the rarest Czechoslovak banknote is? Or where the country's first notes were printed? One man who knows all about that subject is collector Miroslav Krist, the man behind an exhibition of banknotes from around the world currently on at Kozel Chateau, near Pilsen. When I spoke to Mr Krist this week he began by telling me which personalities had figured on the very first Czechoslovak notes.
"The first Czech banknotes predominantly featured President TG Masaryk, as well as the first minister of finance, Alois Rasin. What's interesting is that the first Czech notes were designed by Alfons Mucha, and he also portrayed his wife and daughters on them.
"The first Czechoslovak banknotes in 1919 were printed in America, before they brought the printer here in the 1920s. In the early days there was no suitable printing machine in this country.
"The rarest Czechoslovak note comes from that time, from 1919. It's a 5,000-crown note, which is worth half a million crowns today. I don't own one, but - not being a rich man - even if they appeared on the market I wouldn't be among the lucky purchasers!
"The golden age of Czech notes was in the 1920s and 30s, when masters like Mucha and Max Svabinsky came up with beautiful designs - they're definitely the most beautiful designs in the history of this country. Modern banknotes don't do much for me, because technical aspects take precedence over design.
"I don't like the euro, I must admit! The euro is purely functional. As a collector I find it a pity - as does everyone who likes beautiful things, which banknotes undoubtedly are - that the era of banknotes is coming to an end. I reckon people won't be paying for things with notes or coins in a few decades time..."
