You've probably found an old, colorful banknote in an attic or a forgotten travel wallet. Maybe it says "Koruna československá." If you're trying to figure out the value of czechoslovakia money to dollar, the answer is a mix of "it depends" and "probably not what you think."
Honestly, the country of Czechoslovakia hasn't existed since the clock struck midnight on December 31, 1992. When the nation split into the Czech Republic and Slovakia, the currency went through a chaotic divorce too. People often assume these old bills are just sitting there waiting to be converted at a bank. They aren't.
The Reality of the Exchange
Back in the late 1980s and early 1990s, the exchange rate was a moving target. In 1991, for instance, the official rate hovered around 28 to 30 Czechoslovak koruna (CSK) to 1 US dollar (USD). But that was the official government rate. On the "black market" or the street, you'd get a totally different story.
Fast forward to today. You cannot walk into a Chase or a Wells Fargo with a 100-koruna bill from 1985 and expect four dollars. It's basically paper now.
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Why the banks won't help you
The Czechoslovak koruna was officially replaced by the Czech koruna (CZK) and the Slovak koruna (SKK) in 1993. Most of the old federal notes had a very short window—sometimes just months—where they could be swapped for the new national currencies. If you missed that window during the "Velvet Divorce," the money became legally void.
What Is It Worth Today?
If you're holding a stack of bills, you need to look at them as collectibles, not currency. A standard 100 CSK note from the 1960s or 70s might sell for $2 to $5 on eBay to a collector who likes the artwork. However, some rare specimens are worth much more.
- The 1919 Series: These are the holy grail. If you have a 1919 100-koruna note in good condition, it could be worth thousands of dollars.
- Special Overprints: Right after the 1993 split, some old Czechoslovak bills were used with adhesive stamps (kolky) to show they belonged to one country or the other. These are quirky and sought after by history buffs.
- Specimen Notes: Usually marked with "Vzor" or perforated with holes. These weren't meant for circulation and can fetch a premium.
Tracking the Modern Successors
If you are actually looking for the exchange rate for modern money in that region, you’re looking for the Czech koruna (CZK). As of early 2026, the rate is roughly 20.81 CZK to 1 USD. This means 1 CZK is worth about $0.048.
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Slovakia is a different story. They ditched their own koruna in 2009 and moved to the Euro. So, if you have old Slovak money from the 2000s, that's also mostly a souvenir now, though the National Bank of Slovakia had longer exchange periods than most.
Direct Comparison: Then vs. Now
It’s wild to see how much things changed. In 1992, right before the country vanished, the USD was strong. If you were a tourist with $100 in Prague, you were living like royalty. You could get a massive dinner for two, including drinks, for the equivalent of about $10.
Today? Prague is one of the most popular cities in Europe. That same $100 might last you a day or two if you're careful, but the "insane" value of the dollar against the local money is a thing of the past. The Czech economy is actually quite stable and strong.
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Actionable Steps for Your Old Money
Don't throw those old bills away just because the bank won't take them. Here is exactly what you should do:
- Check the Date: Anything before 1953 survived a major currency reform and might have higher historical value.
- Look for "1919": If you see this year, stop. Don't fold it. Put it in a plastic sleeve and get it appraised by a professional numismatist.
- Search "Sold" Listings: Go to eBay, type in the denomination and year, and filter by "Sold Items." This gives you the real market value, not just what people are hoping to get.
- Visit a Local Coin Shop: Most dealers won't buy common 1980s notes, but they can tell you in five seconds if you have a "rarity."
- Check for the Stamp: Look at the corners of bills dated 1989 or earlier. If there is a physical stamp stuck to it, it’s a "stamped note" from the 1993 transition period.
The era of czechoslovakia money to dollar as a functional exchange is over, but as a piece of Cold War history, those notes still hold plenty of interest. If you're traveling to the region now, make sure you're carrying the Czech koruna or Euros, and keep the old stuff for the scrapbook.