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20 Korun Československých
| Issuer | Republika Československá |
|---|---|
| Year | 1953 |
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| Currency | Koruna (1945-1993) |
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| Obverse description | The obverse is executed entirely in blue intaglio on plain white paper, with an elaborate guilloche framework forming the central design. The large numeral '20' is set within a dense lathe-work border, flanked by the denomination legend 'DVACET KORUN ČESKOSLOVENSKÝCH' in a bold serif typeface across the centre. The issuing authority 'REPUBLIKA ČESKOSLOVENSKÁ' appears in the upper margin, with the date 'PRAHA 25. ÚNORA 1953' and the title 'MINISTR FINANCÍ' accompanied by a facsimile signature in the lower portion; a vertical red serial number and control letter are printed in letterpress along the left edge. |
|---|---|
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| Reverse description | The reverse is printed in blue intaglio and mirrors the geometric austerity of the obverse, with an intricate guilloche underprint filling the entire field. The large numeral '20' dominates the centre within a heavily ornamented lathe-work vignette, below which 'DVACET KORUN' and 'ČESKOSLOVENSKÝCH' appear in bold inscription bands. A smaller counter-stamp cartouche bearing the numeral '20' is positioned at the right margin, and the year '1955' appears in a small panel near the lower centre; the printer's imprint of Státní tiskárna cenin, Praha runs along the lower margin. |
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| Comments |
This note was issued as part of the 1953 monetary reform — one of the most brutal currency conversions in postwar European history. Savings held in older denominations were exchanged at punishing rates, in some cases as severe as 50:1, effectively wiping out private savings accumulated since the war. The reform was openly designed to eliminate economic independence among the non-party population and consolidate financial control under the newly hardened Stalinist state.
Státní tiskárna cenin, the state security printing works in Prague, produced the entire 1953 series domestically — a deliberate policy shift away from Soviet-era dependence on foreign printers. Mošůtek's engraving work on this series is technically assured.