Silver twenty-ounce medal Václav Havel proof numbered

Václav Havel was born in 1936 and left us far too soon in 2011. However, this playwright, philosopher, dissident, human rights activist, and president continues to live on in the hearts and minds of free people around the world. The Czech Mint commemorates this extraordinary figure, who would have celebrated his 90th birthday in 2026, with a special issue of a twenty-ounce silver medal.

When the Velvet Revolution broke out on November 17, 1989, Václav Havel took the lead. Although he had not sought political office, he accepted the nomination for President of the Republic. The fact that he was unanimously elected to this office by a parliament composed largely of Communist deputies was seen as a small miracle. The man who became head of state at that time had first earned international recognition as the author of plays and later as a key figure in the dissident movement. These three defining roles in Havel’s life complemented one another and could not exist without one another - the playwright’s eloquence enabled the dissident to openly express his views, and the dissident’s reputation lent the president an air of self-sacrifice… Of all the Czechoslovak presidents, Václav Havel held this office for the shortest period - a mere two and a half years - because in July 1992, in response to the incipient breakup of the state, he resigned from his post. Six months later, however, he was re-elected head of state—this time of the newly formed Czech Republic, which he led for the following decade. Like Tomáš Garrigue Masaryk, he was elected to the office of president a total of four times, and thus spent just under 13 years at Prague Castle. His homeland was not the only one grateful for his democratic efforts as evidenced by his nomination for the Nobel Peace Prize…

The obverse side of the medal, designed by medalist MgA. Jakub Vlček, features the unmistakable silhouette of Václav Havel’s head in profile, surrounded by dozens of smaller, intricately detailed portraits from various periods of his life. “The central portrait consists of a polished surface, as it is intended to serve as a mirror. Anyone who looks into it should reflect not only on Václav Havel’s life story, but also on their own actions,” explains the medal’s designer. On the reverse side, you’ll find a collage as colorful as Václav Havel’s personality. In the texts, which intertwine, overlap, and complement one another, you’ll find the milestones of his life—cultural, statesmanlike, and personal. All of this is capped by the president’s autograph.

This great man is commemorated by a large medal, issued with the blessing of the Dagmar and Václav Havel Foundation “Vize 97” in a limited edition of just 150 numbered pieces.