Gold half-ounce medal Tomáš Baťa st. proof numbered

In 2026, we will commemorate the 150th anniversary of the birth of Tomáš Baťa. To mark this occasion, the Czech Mint has issued a half-ounce gold medal.

Shoemaking flourished in Zlín at the end of the 19th century, but only in small workshops where each shoemaker worked for himself, making shoes for his neighbors. One of them was Antonín Baťa, a very enterprising man who had a keen eye for business. He was not afraid to do things differently, he liked to try new things, and he encouraged his children, Anna, Antonín, and Tomáš, to be equally courageous. In 1894, they founded the Baťa shoe company in Zlín. The beginnings were modest, but thanks to hard work, unprecedented success soon followed. This was mainly due to the visionary Tomáš, who became one of the greatest entrepreneurs of his time. In order to meet the ever-growing demand, he implemented innovative ideas and processes. He transformed the family business into a global shoe empire with an extensive complex of production, trade, transport, services, and finance, but also employee care. In Zlín, where Tomáš Baťa became mayor, not only factory buildings were built, but also workers' houses, schools, dormitories, cinemas, department stores, and hospitals. The original functionalist architecture was combined with greenery and connected by a sophisticated transport network. The success of the Baťa brand spread throughout the world – branches sprang up like mushrooms after rain in Europe, Africa, and Asia. And it was on his way to the opening of a new branch in Switzerland in 1932 that a plane crash occurred. Tomáš Baťa tragically died, but his legacy lived on in the form of his son. Tomáš Baťa Jr. lived up to his name and rightfully took over the title of shoe king...

Medalist Mgr. PetrHorák dedicated the obverse side of the medal to a faithful portrait of Tomáš Baťa Sr., surrounded by his name, the years 1876–2026, and the title KING OF SHOES. On the reverse side of the medal, you will find a stylized globe, men's and women's shoes, and the Baťa company logo, accompanied by the text OBOUVÁ CELÝ SVĚT (SHOEING THE WHOLE WORLD).

The mintage is limited to only 99 pieces. Each medal is also numbered on the edge.