4348) "Samobor Carnival", Croatia: Bicentenary Anniversary (1826-2026) of the Carnival: 4 & 8 Euro Silver and 20 and 50 Euro Gold Proof Coins celebrate the milestone: Date/Year of Coins issue: 06.02.2026:
The Croatian National Bank has released 4 & 8 Euro Silver and 20 & 50 Euro Gold Coins to celebrating the Anniversary milestone.
An illustration of Princeza Sraka - Princess Magpie is
featured on the Reverse of the Silvr and Gold Proof Coins.
First released in 2023, the Coin Series "Croatian Heritage" hjighlights - national events, landmarks, celebrations and traditions that bring out the Croatian experience throughout its long history.
For 2026, the
new theme marks the 200th anniversary of one of the oldest and most famous
celebratory customs in the Republic of Croatia – the Samobor Carnival:
As one of the oldest and most recognisable carnival
traditions in Croatia, the celebration is nationally protected as an intangible
cultural asset.
For two centuries, it has nurtured satire, free speech, shared
joy and through masks, humour, and public commentary on social reality. So
closely associated with the city of Samobor, it has become an indispensable
part of the identity of the immediate region.
The guardians of this tradition are four primary
characters known as the Carnival Prince Fasnik, the Judge Sudec, the Fiscal
attorney and a special place that is occupied by the Magpie – known locally as
Princeza Sraka.
She is portrayed as sharp, curious and always well-informed. As
a symbol of the Carnival spirit, the Princess Magpie sees everything, hears
everything and forgets nothing.
Not just decoration, is the voice of the
people, the bearer of criticism, witty remarks and the indispensable witness to
all Carnival events and mishaps.
During the week of festivities, the characters
take possession of the town keys and promote their motto ‘Fools fool around
every day and the clever ones only on Carnival’.
However, as tradition dictates, the Carnival splendours
end with the trial of Prince Fašnik, who each time fails to avoid the gallows,
because Princess Sraka's super powers had dried up and he becomes stronger in
his own stupidity.
The Judge Sudec declares –
'In the name of the Carnival court, the people and my
firm hand - with a calm soul and a clear conscience,
I declare he is guilty!
He orders the executioners to draw their torches and an
effigy of Prince Fasnik is burned – culminating in the end of the carnival and
celebrations.
The Coins:
The Gold and Silver Proof Coins share the same design and have been minted by the Croatian Mint at their facilities in Sveta Nedelja on behalf of
the Croatian National Bank.
Designed by Karlo Gross, the Reverse of the Gold and Silver Proof Coins depicts a
standing motif of Princess Magpie, centred and in semi-profile arms
outstretched.
Beginning along the left periphery and above the primary design is the
stylised text "200 godina Samoborskog fašnika" ("200 years of the Samobor
Carnival").
The year of issue "2026" is shown just above the image of princess Magpie.
Below and along the lower rim are a string of festive carnival flags.
On the
five-ounce proof coin, the flags are alternately coloured red, yellow and green
and the Magpie Princess Costume coat, golves and mask is shown in white and
black.
- The Obverse of the Gold and Silver Proof Coins features depictions of the three
characters representing the Samobor Carnival, they are the Judge, the Fiscal
attorney and the Carnival Prince Fasnik, who playfully peek out from the lower
edge of the coin.
Between the depictions of the Fiscal attorney and Prince
Fasnik is the denomination shown in euro along with the numerals 50 or 20
(gold) 8 or 4 (silver). Above the two rows of Carnival depicted in the
background is a stylised inscription "REPUBLIKA HRVATSKA".
The Presentation Box/Case displaying the Coin and the Certificate of Authenticity (COA)
Denomination Metal Weight Diameter Quality Mintage
Limit
4 Euro 999.9 Silver 31.1 g. 38.6 mm. Proof 1500 pieces
8 Euro 999.9 Silver 155.5 g. 60 mm. Proof & Colour 300 pieces
20 Euro 999.9 Gold 3.88 g. 18 mm. Proof 500 pieces
5 50 Euro 999.9 Gold 15.55 g. 25 mm. Proof 200 pieces
- Available from the 6th February, each
gold or silver proof option is encapsulated and presented in a custom case
accompanied with a certificate of authenticity.
Links to Posts on Croatia on this Blog:
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22) Croatian Postage Stamps (or Hrvatske Postanske Marke"), Croatia: A Stamp Album of 29 Postage Stamps issued by Croatian Post in 2016
23) Introduction of the Euro as the Official Currency of the Republic of Croatia: Hrvatska Posta (Croatian Post) has issued a postage stamp of 1.14 Euro celebrating the inclusion of the country in the Euro Area (EU): Date of Stamp issue: 25.01.2023
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25) The Croats Military Units - Contour Necktie, Croatia: First Coins issued in Euros after Croatia joined the European Union (EU): 6 Euro Silver and 100 Euro Gold Coins minted by the Mint of Croatia at their facilities in Sveta Nedelja, on behalf of the National Bank of Croatia: Date/Year of Coins issue: 02.05.2023
26) International Day of Families (15th May), Croatia: Hrvatska Posta (Croatian Post) has issued a postage stamp of 0.47 Euro highlighting the importance of the International Day of Families: Date of Stamp issue: 15.05.2023
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41) "Samobar Carnival", Croatia: Bicentenary Anniversary (1826-2026) of the Carnival: 4 & 8 Euro Silver and 20 & 50 Euro Gold Proof Coins celebrate the milestone: Date/Year of Coins issue: 06.02.2026
