10 Kč and 20 Kč with the astronomical clock

Why the astronomical clock coins were issued

The year 2000 gave the Czech National Bank a fitting occasion to mark the turn of the millennium. Special anniversary 10- and 20-koruna coins with the motifs of the Prague astronomical clock and St Wenceslas were therefore put into circulation.

• 10 Kč — the motif was designed by the academic sculptor Vladimír Oppl.
• 20 Kč — the motif was designed by the academic sculptor Ladislav Kozák.
• Unlike later commemorative issues, these were coins intended directly for circulation.

Which variants exist

The basic millennium strikes were produced in enormous mintages and are therefore readily available. Even so, it is worth knowing one important exception.

What they are worth

Here it is fair to be straightforward: the common millennium coins with the astronomical clock are usually worth only their face value. They were struck in millions of pieces and a large share can still be found in circulation.

• 10 Kč / 20 Kč millennium 2000 in circulated grade — face value.
• Fine uncirculated pieces — the lower hundreds of crowns, depending on grade and packaging.
• 10 Kč Brno 2000 — markedly more interesting to collectors thanks to the low mintage.

How to tell a common astronomical clock coin from a genuinely interesting piece

The greatest mistake arises when people confuse the millennium astronomical clock motif with a different, rarer variant of the year 2000. If you want to look for something truly valuable, focus on the 10 Kč Brno – Petrov, not the standard astronomical clock issues.

And if you are interested in truly exceptional modern rarities, take a look at the 10 Kč 1993 "small Kč", which belongs to an entirely different value category.

Not sure exactly what you are holding?

Send us a photograph. We will quickly tell a common millennium coin from a variant that warrants a closer collector's assessment.