The National Bank of Slovakia have issued (18^th November) a new gold coin for 2013 which continues the beautiful «Coronations in Bratislava» series launched last year. The new coin highlights the reign and subsequent coronation of Maximilian II, Holy Roman Emperor (1527–1576) who succeeded to the throne of Bohemia (in present-day Czech Republic) in 1563.

The coronation of Maximilian was actually the first coronation ceremony in Pressburg (present-day Bratislava), which was the capital and coronation town of Hungary from 1536. Maximilian's coronation took place on the 8^th September 1563 in the Parish Church dedicated to St. Martin (today's St. Martin's Cathedral). The coronation was an exceptional event and its activities were followed by the whole of Europe. The ceremony itself was attended by Maximilian's own father — the Emperor and King Ferdinand, the senior clergy as well as the nobility including leading representatives of almost all European countries. In later years, the next ten Hungarian sovereigns were crowned in Pressburg.

Maximilian II, a highly educated ruler and generous benefactor of the arts and science, was also considered a popular Monarch by the standards of the day. Although for the most part of his ruling period he resided outside the territory of Hungary, he dedicated much of his efforts to her defense against a Turkish onslaught. The result of his military successes was the conclusion of peace with Sultan Selim II in 1568.

The coin, struck by the Kremnica Mint in the city of the same name, is designed by artist Karol Ličko. The obverse depicts the famed Hungarian royal crown of St. Stephan set between lines of decorative beads. The lower half of the design features a period depiction of Bratislava Castle, and to the right is the coat of arms of the Slovak Republic. Along the upper edge is the text «SLOVENSKO» followed by the denomination and currency «100 EURO». The year «2013» appears below the crown. The mint-mark of the Kremnica Mint and the stylized initials of the coin's designer are located on the left-hand side, next to the crown.

The reverse includes a detailed and front-facing portrait of Maximilian, along with a period depiction of St Martin's Cathedral, where the king was crowned just over his left shoulder with the coronation orb just under the castle, all framed by a circle of decorative beads. The coronation year «1563» appears next to the portrait. Along the edge are the inscriptions «KORUNOVÁCIA MAXIMILIÁNA» and «BRATISLAVA».

The next coin in the on-going series will be issued as another significant coronation anniversary is observed.

Country: Slovakia
Year: November 20, 2013
Face value: 100 Euro
Metal: Gold .900
Weight: 9,5 g
Size: 26 mm
Quality: Proof
Mintage: 4 300 pcs