The coin from both the first and third place The National Bank in 2024 included several significant personalities and events in the commemorative coin issuance plan. All previously issued silver coins have attracted great attention not only from collectors but also from the general public. Thanks to the media coverage of these coins, many want to remember significant personalities and events in Slovak history. Moreover, the coins are a suitable investment, as in 2024, silver and gold are increasing in value. Another, the 89th collector's coin in order, is dedicated to the 150th anniversary of the birth of Janko Jesenský. Janko Jesenský (1874 – 1945) was a Slovak poet, prose writer, translator, and one of the key figures of Slovak literary modernism. He came from a nationally conscious family and studied law at the university in Budapest. After the establishment of Czechoslovakia, he became an active public figure and worked at the Ministry with full powers for the administration of Slovakia, where he sought to strengthen Slovak interests in the new state. His literary work is characterized by social criticism and engagement. In poetry, especially in the collections Verses and Verses II. As a prose writer, he became famous mainly for the novel Democrats, which satirically depicts the political and social conditions in interwar Czechoslovakia. This novel is still considered one of the key works of Slovak satirical prose.
An interesting fact about Jesenský is that besides serious topics, he also had a significant sense of humor. His colleagues often mentioned that even in official situations, he could be funny. He even liked to sing or recite verses in the office. This humor was also reflected in his work, where satire and irony played an important role. His work is thus an example not only of social engagement but also of the ability to critically and humorously reflect reality. Jesenský also significantly contributed to translating works by Russian and French authors, enriching Slovak literature with important world works. His translations brought new literary stimuli to Slovak culture and shaped the reading taste. He is still considered one of the most significant Slovak literary personalities.
Twelve authors entered the competition for the 10-euro coin, submitting a total of fifteen proposals. The jury awarded several prizes. The first prize and the realization of the reverse with the portrait of Janko Jesenský was won by acad. sculptor Ivan Řehák, and the third place along with the realization of the obverse was won by Mgr. art. Martin Sabol. It is remarkable that the first and third places were combined in the realization of the coin, which points to the effort to best capture the legacy of Janko Jesenský.
The coin will be made in two versions, in a purity of silver 900/1000. It will become a valuable addition for every collector. At the same time, it will delight literature lovers who will thus remember Janko Jesenský, one of the most significant poets and prose writers of Slovak literary life. This coin is not only a celebration of his work but also a symbol of respect for the national heritage and literary values that Jesenský shaped during his life.
Janko Jesenský will also be commemorated by the issuance of the Euro Souvenir, the so-called 0 Euro note, authored by Adrian Ferda. The motif captures Janko Jesenský in an unconventional profile shot. In the background is his native village Turčiansky Sv. Martin (today's Martin), in front of which he is depicted once again as a lawyer in a typical hat and elegant bourgeois attire. Collectors will once again have their fill and can enrich their collection with two collector's pieces. LV