Finding a stack of old bills in an attic usually triggers two thoughts. First, "Am I rich?" And second, "Wait, where is this country?" If you're holding bills that say Republika Československá, you're looking at a ghost. Czechoslovakia hasn't existed since 1993. This makes the math for czechoslovakia money to dollar conversions a bit more like a history lesson than a trip to the bank.
You can't just walk into a Chase or Wells Fargo and hand over a 100 Koruna note from 1961. They'll look at you like you’re trying to pay with Monopoly money. Honestly, it’s frustrating. But there is real value here; it just isn't where you think it is.
The Tricky Reality of the Koruna
When Czechoslovakia split into the Czech Republic and Slovakia, the Czechoslovak Koruna (CSK) was retired. It was replaced by the Czech Koruna (CZK) and the Slovak Koruna (SKK). Eventually, Slovakia moved to the Euro.
Basically, the "money" you have is obsolete. It is no longer legal tender.
If you are looking for a current exchange rate to plan a trip, you are actually looking for the Czech Koruna to USD rate. As of early 2026, $1 gets you roughly 20.80 CZK. But if you have the old stuff—the socialist-era bills with pictures of workers and soldiers—the "exchange rate" is zero at a bank.
Why the "Official" Rate Doesn't Exist Anymore
In 1992, right before the country split, the exchange rate was roughly 28 CSK to $1. If you adjust that for inflation, it feels like those old bills should be worth something today. They aren't. At least, not as currency.
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Central banks usually have a "grace period" for exchanging old notes. For Czechoslovakia, that window closed decades ago. You've missed the boat on a straight bank swap.
What Is Your Czechoslovakia Money Actually Worth?
Since the bank won't take it, we have to look at the collector market. This is where czechoslovakia money to dollar values get interesting. Some of these notes are worth way more than their face value ever was.
Take the 1989 100 Koruna note featuring Klement Gottwald. It was the last socialist-era note issued before the Velvet Revolution. Because it was pulled from circulation so quickly, collectors love it. A crisp, uncirculated one might fetch $20 or $30 on eBay. Compare that to its 1989 value of about $3.50. That’s a decent "exchange rate" if you think about it.
Surprising Collector Prices
- 1931 100 Korun notes: These are beautiful. If you have one in "Gem Uncirculated" condition, you're looking at $150 to $200.
- 1945 Specimen notes: After WWII, the country was a mess. Specimens—notes printed to show banks what the new money looked like—can go for $225.
- Common 1960s bills: The green 10 Korun notes with the girls and the red 100 Korun notes are everywhere. They usually sell for $1 to $5. They’re basically souvenirs.
Czechoslavakia Money to Dollar: Common Misconceptions
People often see "1000" on a bill and think they've hit the jackpot. In 1945, 1000 Korun was a lot of money. Today, if it’s a standard 1945 issue in average condition, it might be worth $10 to $15 to a collector.
Condition is everything. A single fold in the paper can cut the value in half. If the bill is stained, torn, or smells like a basement, its value to a collector is basically its weight in paper.
Also, watch out for "Bohemia and Moravia" notes. These were issued during the Nazi occupation. They are technically Czechoslovak money, but they carry a very different historical weight and market. They’re common, but "Specimen" versions from this era can still bring in $50 or more.
How to Get Dollars for Your Old Koruna
If you want to turn your czechoslovakia money to dollar holdings into actual cash, stop looking at currency converters. You need a marketplace.
- Check eBay "Sold" Listings: Don't look at what people are asking. Look at what people actually paid. This is the only real "exchange rate" that matters for obsolete money.
- Visit a Local Coin Shop: Most coin dealers also handle paper money (notaphily). They won't give you the full retail price—they need to make a profit—but it's the fastest way to get cash.
- Identify the "Pick" Number: Serious collectors use the "Pick" catalog system. If you can find the Pick number for your note (usually found via a quick Google Lens search), you’ll get much more accurate pricing.
Actionable Next Steps
Don't throw those old bills away, but don't quit your day job either. Here is how you should handle your old Czechoslovak currency:
- Sort by Date: Anything from before 1950 has a much higher chance of being valuable.
- Preserve the Condition: Do not iron the bills. Do not tape them. Put them in a plastic sleeve (PVC-free) to stop them from degrading.
- Search for "Specimen" Stamps: If the bill has "Specimen" or "Vzor" stamped across it, you've likely found something worth over $50.
- Check Modern Czech Rates: If you actually have modern Czech Republic money (CZK) from a recent trip, you can still exchange that at any major airport or international bank. Just remember that notes with a thin metallic security thread were demonetized in 2022 and might require a trip to a Czech bank to swap.
The era of Czechoslovakia is over, but the paper it left behind tells a story. Whether that story is worth $5 or $500 depends entirely on the eyes of the collector across the table from you.