Source: Branimir Kralj
The Croatian National Bank presented today at Moneterra – The Money Museum of the Croatian National Bank new gold collector coins and a silver collector coin "August Šenoa", as part of the Croatian Literature collector coin series. The commemorative motifs on the coins feature the portrait and work of August Šenoa, one of the most influential Croatian writers of the 19th century, who is an important part of the cultural and historical heritage of the Republic of Croatia.
On that occasion, Ivana Jakir-Bajo, Vicegovernor of the CNB, gave an introductory speech, and Jasmina Reis, Manager of the Šenoa House, the Museum of August Šenoa and His Family, Goran Galić, Editor-in-Chief of Vijenac and Ivan Odrljin of the Croatian Mint spoke about the issuance.
"Among all the rest, Šenoa wrote novels, short stories, poems and feuilletons, and today we all know his work. And as soon as we start listing the titles of his novels: "Zlatarevo zlato" (The Goldsmith’s Treasure), "Seljačka buna" (The Peasants’ Revolt), "Čuvaj se senjske ruke" (Beware The Hand of Senj), "Prosjak Luka" (Beggar Luka) or epic poems, such as "Kameni svatovi" (Petrified Wedding Guests) or "Postolar i vrag" (The Cobbler and the Devil), we can immediately imagine their characters and the world in which they lived, the moral dilemmas they faced and often the struggle for justice and love. Šenoa’s short but rich life clearly shows us how one man, with an idea, work and responsibility to society can influence the world around him and how this influence can be permanent. These qualities are also valid for today’s world, and Šenoa’s patriotism can be an example to everyone today", said Ivana Jakir-Bajo in her speech. Jasmina Reis pointed out that "August Šenoa was part of a family that left a strong mark on the cultural life of Zagreb and Croatia for four generations. His family actively participated in the creation and preservation of artistic and literary heritage, and today the Šenoa House preserves their legacy, which includes letters, diaries and works and testifies to the deep connection between family and culture".
"August Šenoa was our most prolific and versatile writer of the 19th century, the only Croatian writer by whom the entire epoch is named – Protorealism or Šenoa’s era. He published most of his work, novels and short stories "Zlatarevo zlato" (The Goldsmith’s Treasure), "Seljačka buna" (Peasants’ Revolt), "Barun Ivica" (Baron Ivica), "Prijan Lovro" (Friend Lovro), poems "Kugina kuća" (The Plague’s House), "Ribareva Jana" (Fisherman’s Jana), "Hrvatska pjesma" (Croatian Poem) and "Vir" (Whirlpool) in Vienac magazine, which he edited until his early death in 1881. Šenoa was also a great poet of Zagreb, which he was especially fond of, and in today’s Vijenac we continue in his footsteps and present the best of Croatian culture and art at newsstands every other Thursday", said Editor-in-Chief of Vijenac.
The gold coins are issued in the 100 and 20 euro denominations and the silver coin is issued in the 4 euro denomination. The collector coins are minted in uncirculated condition. The total issued quantity of the 100 euro gold coin is limited at 50 pieces and that of the 20 euro gold coin at 150 pieces. The total issued quantity of the 4 euro silver coin is limited at 1,000 pieces. The design of the coins is by sculptor Duje Matetić.
The collector coins "August Šenoa" are released for sale on 28 April 2026. The coins will be sold by the Croatian Mint. The initial selling price for the 100 euro gold collector coin is expected to range around EUR 4,748.51, that for the 20 euro gold coin around EUR 626.50 and the selling price for the 4 euro silver collector coin is expected to range around EUR 129.91, VAT included. The selling price at the time of purchase will depend on the movement in the price of gold and silver in the open market.
For more information on order and purchase of the collector coins "August Šenoa", please visit the website of the Croatian Mint.