1934) Škoda 498 "Albatros" Steam Locomotive, Czechoslovakia: A Gold Medal issued by the Czech Mint, commemorating the iconic 'workhorse" of the 1940s upto 1970s: Date/Year of Medal issue: 2021:
The Czech Mint has paid a tribute to the Škoda 498 steam locomotive, known as the "Albatros", by issuing a half-ounce gold medal which is part of a free cycle of the most beautiful unrealized designs that entered in the Czech National Bank's competitions.
The Header/Banner shows the Obverse & Reverse of the Gold Medal placed against a background photo of the iconic steam engine.
The Czechoslovak Railways were in a difficult situation after the end of the Second World War.
They had lost a large number of locomotives and needed to ensure reliable operation as soon as possible.
At the same time, they had to deal with the growing requirement for a number of express trains, as well as, the trend of shortening driving times.
The Ministry of Railways ordered forty 486 Series Express Locomotives from the Škoda plant in Pilsen in 1945.
Before the war, these locomotives were the most powerful Czechoslovak design, but after the war they began to run out of breath.
Therefore, the order reflected new design knowledge and technologies which were to contribute to higher performance and more economical operation.
The design has also been modified. The boiler was placed higher, which changed the overall architecture of the machine, and the locomotive received a patriotic paint in tricolor colors.
The modified series, which was given the designation 498 and nicknamed the "Albatros", was produced in 1946.
The fact that its performance was more than sufficient is evidenced by the fact that it set the Czechoslovak speed record of a steam locomotive to 162 km/h.
In 1976, the operation of the "Albatros" was terminated due to the unstoppable motorization and electrification of the Czechoslovak Railways after thirty years.
The Albatros locomotives served the Czechoslovak Railways handsomely, during their operation. Many machines have covered over two million kilometers and they were among the most beautiful steam locomotives not only in the parent country, but also in the world.
They were at the pinnacle of design during their time, and will remain the pride of Czechoslovak's advanced engineering in Railways.
The Commemorative Medal:
The Reverse face of the Gold Medal, is dominated by the "Albatros" with a tender that follows the railway tracks. Electric wires, which contributed to the inevitable extinction of steam traction, emerge from the cloud of smoke rising from the chimney.
The inscription presents the manufacturer and the "ŠKODA 498 type" designation. The Reverse, also, carries a detail of the locomotive wheel surrounded by the text "CZECH REPUBLIC".
The specifications of this Medal are:
Country of issue: Czech Republic; Year: 2021; Metal Composition: .9999 Fineness Gold (Au); Weight: 15.56 grams; Diameter/Size: 28.0 mm; Coin Quality: Proof (P); Issued By: The Czech Mint; Mintage: 99 pieces; Presentation Box/Case: Yes; Numbered issue: Yes; Certificate of Authenticity (COA): Yes; Designer (Obverse & Reverse): Bc. Zuzana Hubená; Capsule: Yes; Packaging: Black Leather Case.
Remarks: The medal has been issued in a limited mintage of 99 pieces only. Each piece is hand-numbered on the edge.
The Presentation Box/Case in its outer wrapper.
5) Thomas Alva Edison (1847-1931), Niue: First Silver Coin with a denominational value of 1 NZD (One New Zealand Dollar) in "Geniuses of the 19th Century Coin Series" minted by the Czech Mint on behalf of Niue: Date of Coin issue: 01/2020
6) Nikola Tesla, Niue: Second Silver Coin with a denominational value of 1 NZD (One New Zealand Dollar) in "Geniuses of the 19th Century Coin Series" minted by the Czech Mint on behalf of Niue : Date of Coin issue: 03/2020
7) Alfred Bernhard Nobel, Niue: Third Silver Coin with a denominational value of 1 NZD (One New Zealand Dollar) in "Geniuses of the 19th Century Coin Series", minted by the Czech Mint on behalf of Niue: Date of Coin issue: 07/2020
Santosh Khanna has commented:
ReplyDelete"Gr8 information. Keep it up."
Thank you, Khanna sahab.
Delete