5,000 CZK banknote developments in Czechia

In late August 2026, Moneta Money Bank became the first bank in the Czech market to allow customers to withdraw 5,000 CZK banknotes via ATMs. This service was initially rolled out at 26 locations, including regional cities like Chomutov and Mělník. While other major Czech banks indicated they had no immediate plans to offer this denomination due to low projected demand, Komerční banka began conducting technical analyses to evaluate the possibility.

Following this development, the Czech National Bank (ČNB) announced the issuance of a special commemorative 5,000 CZK banknote on September 22, 2026. The limited edition of 200,000 pieces commemorates the 100th anniversary of the establishment of the National Bank of Czechoslovakia. These banknotes feature a unique silver metallic foil and a centenary logo, and can be obtained through exchange at specific ČNB branches.

On September 21, 2026, as the release approached, large crowds of collectors and citizens formed long queues overnight at ČNB branches in Prague, Brno, Hradec Králové, and Ostrava. Some enthusiasts utilized chairs, blankets, and improvised shelters to wait for branches to open. The commemorative notes feature a silver metallic hologram with nano-effects, a logo designed by Jan Solpera, portraits of Tomáš Garrigue Masaryk, and a QR code. While the notes remain legal tender with the same technical parameters as the standard 2023 series, the exchange is limited to three commemorative notes per person. A limited run of 30,000 protective commemorative sleeves is also available for purchase.

By September 23, 2026, the release of the notes has triggered a secondary market. Speculators have listed the banknotes on online auction sites, with prices ranging from 6,500 CZK to as high as 10,000 CZK. High demand continues to drive collectors to camp outside bank branches to secure the notes before stocks are exhausted.