Alexander Dubček (1921–1992) is one of the most significant figures of modern Slovak history, recognised at home and abroad as a democrat and European. He was leader of the Communist Party of Czechoslovakia (KSČ) for almost 16 months from 1968 to 1969. His name is synonymous with the 1968 Prague Spring and the unsuccessful attempt to establish “socialism with a human face” in Czechoslovakia. After his expulsion from the Communist Party, he spent the twenty-year period of normalisation under tight surveillance, before returning to domestic and European politics when the Cold War ended. His value system remained centred on humanity, social justice, patriotism and democracy. A notable milestone in his personal life came in November 1988, when one of the oldest universities in the world – Bologna University in Italy – awarded him an honorary doctorate. This represented a high tribute not only to him, but to the entire reform and democratic movement in Czechoslovakia. In his acceptance speech for the award, Dubček voiced his support for the creation of a “common European home”, which affirmed his stature as a European statesman. He was consistent in promoting a platform of democratic socialism and social justice in a context of pluralistic civic society.

Obverse:

The collector coin’s obverse depicts a stylised dove as a symbol of freedom with its body incorporating elements referential to the Czechoslovak flag. Along the upper left edge of the design is the name of the issuing country ‘SLOVENSKO’, and in the upper right quadrant are the Slovak coat of arms and, below it, the year of issuance ‘2021’. The coin’s denomination ‘10’ and currency ‘EURO’ appear in the lower left, one above the other. Below them is a stylised letter ‘N’, referring to the surname of the obverse designer Štefan Novotný, and, to its right, the mint mark of the Kremnica Mint (Mincovňa Kremnica), consisting of the letters ‘MK’ placed between two dies.

Reverse:

The reverse shows a portrait of Alexander Dubček and, on the left side of the design, his facsimile signature. The name ‘ALEXANDER DUBČEK’ is inscribed below the portrait, with the forename positioned above the surname. At the lower right edge are the stylised letters ‘MS’, referring to the reverse designer Martin Sabol. To the right of the portrait, the years of Dubček’s birth and death ‘1921 – 1992’ are inscribed sideways.