Republic gold Proof "50th Anniversary of the Founding of Czechoslovakia" Medal 1968 PR67 Ultra Cameo NGC, 35mm, 34.86gm. By Jiri Harcuba. A visually fascinating medal designed by artist and medallist, Jiri Harcuba. Initially meant to commemorate the 50th anniversary of the founding of Czechoslovakia, the intention soon changed to that of a protest medal at the outset of the Prague Spring, and the subsequent response by the Soviet Union and Warsaw Pact members. According to an interview with the artist, earlier designs had not included the 5 bayonets threatening a personified Czechoslovakia protecting a budding democracy, which were added soon thereafter during the occupation of the republic. With the rapidly expanding interest in Czech coins and medals and this piece's parallels to recent modern events, we can only surmise the level of interest for now our fourth instance of handling this rare series.

HID09801242017

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