Gold 1-ducat of st. Wenceslas with gold certificate 2026 proof

Gold ducats are among the flagship products of the Czech Mint. In 2026, St. Wenceslas reappears on coins that will delight collectors, patriots, and anyone looking for an original and valuable gift - this time in the role of prince.

Unfortunately, very little is known about Wenceslas of the Přemyslid dynasty, who lived during a time when the long process of consolidating Czech statehood was underway. Most of the information about his reign in the 10th century comes from idealized Christian legends. Even so, we know that Wenceslas was the son of Prince Vratislaus. He was raised by his grandmother Ludmila, a devout Christian, which his mother Drahomíra resented. When Vratislaus died, Drahomíra, who craved power, sensed an opportunity. Wenceslas was not yet of age, so she seized power in his stead. She expelled Christian priests, demolished newly built churches, and ultimately plotted Ludmila’s murder. When Wenceslas finally ascended the princely throne, he banished his treacherous mother, but as a true Christian, he eventually forgave her. For ten years, he ruled as his grandmother had taught him - kindly, justly, and God-fearingly. The country prospered even after he was militarily defeated by the German ruler Henry I the Fowler. Malicious tongues claim that Wenceslas cowardly submitted to the Germans at that time, but that is not true. On the contrary, he demonstrated diplomatic mastery. Although he paid tribute to the enemy, he managed to earn his respect. He showed Henry that the true essence of Christianity is love for one’s neighbor, and the conqueror, who was renowned for his ruthlessness and cruelty, then presented his Czech adversary with the Saxon national treasure - the relic of Saint Vitus - as a token of friendship.

The obverse side of the gold ducat, designed by medalist Veronika Prokopová, DiS., features Wenceslas as a monarch wearing a princely cap. The inscriptions on the obverse side bears SAINT WENCESLAS, PRINCE, 1-DUCAT. The reverse side of the coin features a flaming eagle framed by the year 2026 and the text of the famous chorale – DO NOT LET US OR OUR DESCENDANTS PERISH.

An integral part of each coin is a unique certificate coated with a layer of gold.