Gold ducat CR 2026 - Charles IV founder stand

The Czech Mint's traditional Ducat series pays tribute to Charles IV in 2026. The father of the Homeland is depicted in relief on the gold ducat as a wine lover.

When Charles IV came to power, he made impoverished Prague the heart of the Holy Roman Empire. He built a renowned university, a cathedral, and a stone bridge, and at the same time ordered that the surrounding uncultivated hillsides be planted with grapevines. He was a great lover of wine and a good steward. He had the finest varieties from Burgundy, the Rhineland, and Austria, which became the pride of the landscape and provided a livelihood for a large number of people. Not only did winemakers enjoy tax breaks and protection from foreign competition, but vineyard workers also benefited from fair working conditions secured by the king.

Medal maker MgA.Petra Čánská dedicated the obverse side of the ducat to an idealized depiction of Charles IV, who is personally tending to the vines in a vineyard. The monarch, wearing the St. Wenceslas Crown, also dominates the reverse side, where he is accompanied by the imperial monogram, the double-tailed Czech lion, the double-headed imperial eagle, and the inscription 1 DUKÁT. Both sides also feature rich Gothic decoration.

The commemorative coin has a issue limit of only 300 pieces and respects the specifications defined for the famous St. Wenceslas ducats. The gold ducat is not only an addition to a collection, but also a traditional gift – for example, for a christening or wedding.