The year 2024 marks the 200th anniversary of the establishment of Česká spořitelna bank. On this occasion, a half-ounce gold medal of the Czech Mint was created, which is part of a free cycle of the most beautiful unrealised designs entered into the Czech National Bank's competitions.

In the second half of the 18th century, savings banks began to appear in Europe. First banks were opened in Germany and Switzerland, then in Britain. The Danube monarchy also became interested in the idea of thrift, which was a manifestation of the population's diligence and success. The first monetary institution of its kind in the Habsburg States was 'Die Erste oesterreichische Spar-Casse', which was founded in Vienna in 1819. The establishment of this institution, which was intended to help the poorer and middle classes to become more economically independent, was also of interest in Bohemia. The establishment of the savings bank was preceded by an appeal for subscriptions to the capital fund, which was published in a newspaper in 1823. This fund, amounting to 12 000 gold pieces, was intended to provide future savers with a guarantee that they would not lose their deposits. The first deposit of 300 gold pieces was made by Prince Rudolf Joseph of Colloredo-Mansfeld. He was followed by a number of noblemen and businessmen. The Habsburgs also contributed - the largest sum of 2,000 gold pieces was contributed by Emperor Franz I himself . The new Savings Bank, which was located in the Prague Provincial Assembly building, was symbolically opened on the day of the monarch's birthday - 12 February 1825. Interest earners deposited here sums ranging from 25 krejcar to 100 zloty, which bore interest at a rate of 4%, thus providing a reserve in case of illness, unemployment or old age. The savings bank was able to offer an interesting return because of the high demand for loans. It was not long after the Napoleonic Wars and the hunger for financial capital was enormous. The Savings Bank was not afraid to lend or even invest in businesses and various projects. It affected the appearance of the countryside and cities and the cultural and social life of the whole country. Its balance sheet grew rapidly - in 1825 its deposits amounted to 124 000 guilders, in 1830 to 1 573 000 guilders and ten years later to 8 087 000 guilders. The government, the towns and private individuals realised the need to lend and save money from the population. A lot of banks were opened at this time, however, the biggest one is still the Česká spořitelna bank...

The design by the medal maker Vladislav Mašata was used as a template for the commemorative medal. The expert committee of the Czech National Bank awarded it third place. The obverse side of the medal presents a silhouette of Emperor Franz I of Austria, incorporating the Česká spořitelna building on Národní třída. The reverse side features heraldic animals of Bohemia, Moravia and Silesia and the emblem of Česká spořitelna bank with Saint Wenceslas.

The issue limit is only 99 pieces. Each medal is also hand-numbered on the edge.