The Berlin World Money Fair is the largest numismatic event on the planet. No other fair attracts such a large number of mints, businessmen, national banks, technologists and collectors. The Czech Mint is an integral part of it and has prepared a special product for visitors in 2025 - a colored commemorative medal with the motif of the Czech lion. If you have not been to Berlin, don't worry - you can also buy the medal here on the e-shop...

The most famous story about how the exotic lion became the symbol of the Czech land is the tale of Bruncvík - a mythical prince who travelled to far away Africa, where he helped the king of animals in his fight with the lion sledge. A more plausible explanation is told by the old chroniclers. According to them, in 1158 Emperor Frederick I Barbarossa rewarded Prince Vladislaus II with a royal crown and a new crest animal, which replaced the existing eagle. The lion represented the virtues of chivalry, strength and courage that Vladislaus had shown during the conquest of the city of Milan in the Emperor's service. And how did the heraldic beast get its second tail? Again, heroism played a role. In 1204, King Přemysl Ottokar I helped Emperor Otto IV in his fight against the Saxons, and the Bohemian lion was given a second tail, which distinguished it from the beasts of other nations and gave it a unique prestige. Medieval writers, however, liked to colour their narratives, therefore, they are not a reliable source of information. However, one thing is certain - the first truly documented Czech lion was a symbol of the Přemyslid dynasty and appears on the equestrian seal of Vladislaus Henry from 1203. The lion was elevated to the emblem of the whole country by Přemysl Ottokar II, the Iron and Gold King.

The obverse side of the medal, which is embellished with colouring, is dominated by the crowned head of the Bohemian lion. The patriotic motif from the studio of Asamat Baltaev, DiS., is truly original - it is made up of facets or small polygonal areas. On the reverse side, you will find a colored Czech flag and a QR code that guides you to the website of the Czech Mint.

The commemorative medal, minted from base metal, is set in a special packaging decorated with a thematic drawing and the logo of the fair.

It is an officially licensed souvenir of the Berlin World Money Fair 2025.