When you say Václav in the Czech Republic, it is not just a name, but a cornerstone of Czech identity. The story of Prince Václav, who became a saint and patron of the country, still frames the understanding of statehood today – and it is no coincidence that his legacy is also commemorated by a special gold coin of the Czech National Bank (ČNB) from the year 2025. 

Why Václav is the "key" to Czech history

Prince Václav (circa 907 – 935) ruled from 922/925 to 929/935. Sources depict him as a ruler who combined state-building prudence with personal piety – which is why his cult and the title "Saint Václav" emerged. He is considered the patron of Bohemia and his feast day is closely linked with the Day of Czech Statehood – September 28. 

What were his deeds

Among Václav's most important deeds is the founding of the rotunda of St. Vitus at Prague Castle around the year 930 – from which the present-day cathedral later grew and is directly linked to the site of his veneration. Equally significant was the transfer of the relics of St. Ludmila (925) to Prague, thereby strengthening the Christian tradition and prestige of the principality. Legends and tradition also attribute to him merciful acts towards the poor. Legends and tradition say that he helped the poor, widows, orphans, and prisoners; he even redeemed slaves to free them. This image of a merciful ruler is still remembered today by the English carol "Good King Wenceslas". His peaceful policy after tensions with the Saxons/Bavarians chose diplomacy and agreement, thereby maintaining the autonomy of the Czech state and peace for internal consolidation and Christianization. "St. Wenceslas Vineyard" – according to legend, he personally cultivated a vineyard below Prague Castle and used the wine for the altar table; the place is still called St. Wenceslas Vineyard. 

Thanks to this combination of faith, charity, and state-building prudence, Václav became the patron of the Czech lands and a timeless symbolic figure – therefore "Saint Václav" is more than just a historical prince: he is a lasting moral and cultural milestone of Central Europe.

 

Martyr's death in Stará Boleslav

Václav died a violent martyr's death – he was murdered at the door (on the threshold) of the church of St. Cosmas and Damian in Stará Boleslav. He was attacked by conspirators led by his brother Boleslav I.; sources state that he was stabbed and according to Cosmas's Chronicle, Boleslav eventually pierced him with a spear. The event is dated to September 28 (year 929 or more often 935).

What he brought to the Czechs "for the future"

In the memory of the country, Václav became a peacemaker, protector of the weak, and unifying symbol. His name bears the St. Wenceslas Chorale, his figure became an icon of national identity and his legacy is commemorated annually during the Day of Czech Statehood. From a practical point of view, he helped anchor the Christian tradition, support culture, and continuity of the state, which was later developed by other rulers. 

How the coin tells his story

The ČNB did not choose random motifs. The obverse combines the rotunda of St. Vitus with the flaming eagle of the Přemyslids and the heraldic animals of the great state emblem. The reverse features the figure of the prince from the Znojmo rotunda of St. Catherine and two scenes from the Velislav Bible – Václav kneeling before Boleslav and his murder. Together, it is a visual "short biography" that leads from architectural and spiritual works to martyrdom and legend. 

Why it makes sense even today

Gold and Václav surprisingly go together: gold is a anchor of stability in collective memory and Václav is an anchor of identity. Thus, the coin is not just a beautiful collectible piece, but a keeper of a story that has survived centuries – and at the same time a physical value in pure gold. With this issue, the ČNB elegantly connected historical content with modern numismatics. 

Václav became a legend because he combined the birth of Czech statehood with the personal example of a ruler-saint: firm faith, political wisdom, and concrete deeds for the good of the country.

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