CZECHOSLOVAKIA. Gold Medallic 5 Ducats, ND (1968). Kremnica Mint. NGC PROOF-66 Ultra Cameo.
Fr-Unlisted; KMX-37; Novotny-Unlisted. Mintage: 5000. AGW: 0.5532 oz. Obverse: Bust of Alexander Dubček left, legends: PRAVDA VITEZI - VERITAS VINCIT above; Reverse: Bust of Jan Hus left. Quite lovely, the surfaces present a cameo charm with deeply frosted devices and reflective fields, and a few scattered spots likely accounting for the grade. Originally from a four-piece set, these medals were limited to 5,000 pieces, and are quite elusive as such. Certain to appeal to anyone interested in Czechoslovakian political history, featuring two of the most famous figures in Czech history, a political and religious reformer. A piece originating from the time of the Prague Spring, this gold medal features the bust of the popular reformer general secretary of the Czechoslovakian Communist Party, Alexander Dubček flanked by the legends that originate from the statement of the famous Czech martyr Jan Hus: "Seek the truth, hear the truth, learn the truth, love the truth, speak the truth, hold the truth and defend the truth until death". Dubček attempted a moderate liberalization of Czechoslovakia by allowing a freer press and toleration of political dissidents. Soviet authorities, frightful of reforms, led an invasion of Czechoslovakia, crushing the reforms and realigning Czechoslovakian policies with those of the Soviet Union. Dubček's political career was effectively ended, though he was not jailed and continued to live in Czechoslovakia through the Velvet Revolution, reappearing at the end of communist rule as a popular figure at the end of his life.
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From the Augustana Collection.
Estimate: $1500.00- $3000.00