1296) Slovak National Theatre, Slovakia: Centenary Celebrations (1920-2020): A 10 Euro Silver Coin issued by the National Bank of Slovakia, minted by the Kremnica Mint: Year of issue: 2020:

1296) Slovak National Theatre, Slovakia: Centenary Celebrations (1920-2020): A 10 Euro Silver Coin issued by the National Bank of Slovakia, minted by the Kremnica Mint: Year of issue: 2020:

The National Bank of Slovakia has released new Silver Commemorative Collector Coins (in two variants - Proof and Brilliant Uncirculated) which celebrate the Centenary Anniversary of Slovakia's first performance theatre.

The Reverse of the 20 Euro Silver coin, placed against a background image of the Slovak National Theatre - old building

Established in 1920, the Slovak National Theatre (SND) played an essential role in supporting the objectives of the then Czechoslovak Republic, formed in 1918.

The Slovak National Theatre is the second oldest Slovak Professional Theatre. It has 3 ensembles (drama, opera and ballet). 

Between 1920 and 1945, there was also a musical ensemble. The Slovak National Theatre represented Slovak culture on its numerous tours abroad.

The old building:

Located by the Hviezdoslav Square, the Neo-Renaissance building was built in 1885-1886 during the period of Austria-Hungary, based on a design by the Viennese architects Fellner & Helmer, who designed theatre buildings in 10 European countries. This building was constructed on the site of a previous Classic style theatre built in 1776, the first permanent theatre building in present day Slovakia, which was demolished in 1884.

On 22.09.1886, it was opened as the "City Theatre" with the opera "Bank ban" of Ferenc Erkel, which is one of the most important Hungarian operas. As a sign of this event's importance, the Hungarian Prime Minister and his whole government took part in the opening ceremony.

The original building was designed for 1000 spectators and was illuminated by using 800 gas lamps, while the auditorium had a lustre with 64 lights. The interior was decorated with frescos of/by Pressburg/Pozsony, native painter Kornel Spanyik and by paintings by Munich artist Leo Luttgendorf-Leinburg, among others.

The City Theatre was hired by German and Hungarian professional theatre companies.

In 1888, Pressburg sculptor Viktor Oskar Tilgner crafted the famous Ganymede's Fountain, located immediately in front of the theatre.

In 1919, when Czechoslovakia was created, it was used by Czech and later Slovak ensembles.

In 1920, it became the Slovak National Theatre.

Between 1969 and 1972, the building was restored, when a new modern technical building was added behind the old building.

The new building:

In the early 1980s, the design of the new building was underway and construction started in 1986 and stayed under construction for about 21 years, due to lack of funds.

On 14.04.2007, it was finally opened. It houses all three ensembles of the Slovak National Theatre.

Presently, the SND's companies perform at the theatre's new building and also at its original venue.

The Commemorative Coin:

The Reverse & Obverse of the 10 Euro Commemorative Coin

The Commemorative Coin has been minted at Kremnica Mint on behalf of the National Bank of Slovakia.

On the Reverse of the 10 Euro Silver Coin is seen the beautiful and ornate historical building of the Slovak National Theatre.

On the lower periphery is seen the Slovak Coat of Arms and the year of issue - "2020" is shown in two digits on both sides of the Crest. On the upper periphery is mentioned the country name -"SLOVENSKO" (meaning "Slovakia").

To the left of the Crest is the mint mark of the Kremnica Mint and to the right are the stylised letters "PV" (standing for the designer - Peter Valach).

On the Obverse of the 10 Euro Silver Coin is seen the Slovak National Theatre's logo enclosed within a square frame.

A pair of masks representing comedy and tragedy appear below the logo, towards the lower periphery.

Towards the upper periphery is mentioned the denomination of the coin - "10 EURO". Along the outer periphery is mentioned - " SLOVENSKE NARODNE DIVADLO" (meaning "Slovak National Theatre") and "100.VYROCIE ZALOZENIA"(100th Anniversary of Establishment"), with the two parts being separated by a prominent dot.

The specifications of this Silver Coin are:

Denomination: 10 Euro; Metal Composition: .900 Fineness Silver (Ag); Weight: 18.0 grams; Diameter/Size: 34.0 mm; Coin Quality: (variants) - Proof and Brilliant Uncirculated; Mintage: Proof - 8,200 pieces, Brilliant Uncirculated (BU) 3,100 pieces; Minted by: Kremnica Mint; Minted on behalf of: National Bank of Slovakia; Year: 2020.

The Commemorative Certificate issued by the National Bank of Slovakia.

Links:

1) Caves of Slovak Karst in Slovakia: A World Natural Heritage UNESCO Site: A Gold Coin of 100 Euros issued under the "World Natural Heritage" Series by the National Bank odf Slovakia, minted by the Kremnica Mint on 15.11.2017

2) Slovak National Theatre, Slovakia: Centenary Celebrations (1920-2020): A 10 Euro Silver Coin issued by the National Bank of Slovenia, minted by the Kremnica Mint: Year of issue: 2020