Slovakia 100 Korún Banknote – Madonna of Levoca & St. Jacob’s Church (2004 Issue)
Pick# 44a | TBB# 406 | Numista Ref. N#204603
Issued by the National Bank of Slovakia during the final decade of the Slovak koruna, the 100 Korún note celebrates the Gothic artistry of Master Pavol of Levoca. Its design centres on the famed Madonna carving from the Altar of Birth, paired with architectural landmarks from the historic town of Levoca. As part of the 1996–2004 paper series, this note represents Slovakia’s cultural heritage shortly before the transition to the euro in 2009.
Design Highlights
Obverse
Portrait‑style engraving of the Madonna from the Altar of Birth, carved by Master Pavol of Levoca
Gothic ornamental detailing reflecting late‑medieval Slovak craftsmanship
Issuing authority: NÁRODNÁ BANKA SLOVENSKA
Denomination in Slovak: STO SLOVENSKÝCH KORÚN
Designer: Jozef Bubák
Engraver: Václav Fajt
Latin script throughout
Reverse
Architectural view of St. Jacob’s Church and the Levoca town hall, where Master Pavol was active
Gothic stone head from the sacristy of the old Minorite church at Levoca
Date of issue: V Bratislave 5 Novembra 2004
Designer: Jozef Bubák
Latin script and clear denomination markings
Colour & Style
Rich multicolour underprint with strong Gothic visual themes
Fine line engraving typical of late‑1990s European banknote design
Balanced layout combining religious art, architecture, and historical symbolism
Key Specifications
Feature Description
Country Slovakia
Issuer National Bank of Slovakia
Period Republic (1993–2008)
Type Standard circulation banknote
Years 1996–2004
Denomination 100 Korún (100 SKK)
Currency Slovak Koruna
Composition Paper
Size 140 × 71 mm
Shape Rectangular
First Issued 1 July 1996
Final Issue 5 November 2004
Demonetized 16 January 2009
References P# 25, 44; TBB# 406
Watermark Madonna (from Master Pavol’s altar)
Security Features
Watermark of the Madonna
Multicolour underprint with fine line patterns
Traditional European engraving without later holographic elements
Why Collect This Note
The 2004 Slovakia 100 Korún note is valued for its artistic and historical significance:
Features one of Central Europe’s most important Gothic sculptures
Highlights Levoca, a UNESCO‑listed medieval town
Represents the final era of the Slovak koruna before euro adoption
Strong engraving quality and cultural depth make it a standout in European banknote design
Increasingly desirable in high grade due to demonetization in 2009
Collectors of European art‑themed currency, Gothic religious iconography, or pre‑euro national issues often consider this note essential for a complete Slovak set.
