Medal - 100th Anniversary of the Czechoslovak Crown

Coat of Arms in 1922

Czechoslovak Republic, which was the same as the small arms of the old Czech state, with styling by Jaroslav Kursa. The introduction of the traditional two-tailed lion was meant to put an end to the period of revolutionary improvisations, characterized by the use of a crownless Bohemian lion, the legionnaires’ badge or various non-heraldic emblems. However, in Slovakia the government regulation prompted opposition; local politicians categorically demanded the inclusion of the Slovak patriarchal cross among all the heraldic symbols of the republic. The Slovak point of view was accepted and the small coat of arms of 30 March 1920 took the form of a Bohemian lion bearing a heart shield on its breast with the arms of Slovakia

image sent by István Molnár, 8 May 2001

in: https://www.crwflags.com/fotw/flags/xc%29.html

Woman harvesting wheat

The engraving of a woman harvesting wheat, created by Otakar Španiel in 1922, became one of the most striking symbols of the First Czechoslovak Republic. Representing a rural worker, the image conveyed the ideal of a young, fertile, and rebuilt country after independence in 1918. With a strong influence from social realism, the scene also dialogues with ancient Slavic rural archetypes, evoking the connection between the people and the land—although it is not a direct representation of the folkloric figure of the Field Mother. The power of this composition ensured that the engraving remained in use for decades and was revived on commemorative coins, including the centenary celebrations of the republic in 2018. Today, Španiel's harvester is remembered as one of the most iconic works of Czech numismatics, a symbol of work, national identity, and cultural heritage.

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Otakar Spaniel

Otakar Španiel (1881–1955) was one of Czechoslovakia's greatest sculptors and medalists. Born in Jaroměř, he studied in Prague and Paris, where he came into contact with modern realism and French medal art. His work combines technical precision with strong national symbolism, making him the leading creator of portraits, stamps, and coins for the newly formed Czechoslovak state after 1918. Španiel's contribution to Czech numismatics is extensive. He designed numerous official coins and medals, but his most famous engraving is that of the 1 koruna of 1922, which depicts a woman harvesting wheat. The scene symbolizes work, the fertility of the land, and the reconstruction of Czechoslovakia after its independence. The image quickly became a national icon. His style combined social realism, dignified representation of the people, and subtle elements of Slavic tradition. The visual power of the reaper caused the engraving to remain in use for decades and be reused in modern commemorative issues, including the centenary of the republic in 2018. Otakar Španiel is remembered today as the "father" of Czechoslovak monetary art—an artist whose work helped to visually define the identity of a newly born country.

Drtikol, Frantisek (1883-1961). "Otakar Spaniel". Original photograph, 1923.

Linden tree 

The linden tree symbolizes unity, protection, community, and Slavic tradition, having been associated for centuries with assemblies, family life, and cultural identity. The linden tree express the idea of ​​a young state sustained by deep historical roots and the unity of the Czech and Slovak peoples.

https://www.arborday.org/perspectives/littleleaf-linden-tree-love