Croatian National Bank i Croatian Mint continuing the series of commemorative numismatic issues „Croatian Ships“ with a new edition dedicated to Neretva boat, one of the most recognizable traditional boats of Croatia.
The new edition comprises three gold coins and two silver coins of different nominal values and weights, made of gold and silver with a purity of 999.9/1000. The coins are dedicated to a vessel that for centuries has been inextricably linked to the lives of the inhabitants of the Neretva Valley.
The Neretva lađa is a simple, flat-bottomed wooden vessel adapted for navigation through the tributaries, canals, and wetlands of the Neretva Valley. For centuries, it served for the transportation of people, animals, agricultural products, construction materials, and other goods necessary for daily life.
The oldest known data on traditional boats of the Neretva Valley date back to the 17th century and were recorded in chronicles and travelogues by authors upon whom this southernmost Croatian river valley left a strong impression.
With the development of road infrastructure, the lađa gradually lost its original transport role, but it did not disappear from the lives of the residents of the Neretva Valley. Today, it is one of the symbols of that region, and its tradition is especially preserved through the „Marathon of Lađas,“ a sports and cultural event that contributes to the recognition of the Neretva region and the preservation of its identity.
The importance of the Neretva lađa is also confirmed by the fact that the „Tradition of life with the trup and lađa, vessels of the Neretva Valley“ has been established as intangible cultural heritage of the Republic of Croatia.
Symbolism of the visual design
The designer of the artistic solution for all five coins is Petar Varga.
On the obverse of the coin is depicted the rowing technique, one of the traditional methods of steering a Neretva boat. This motif was chosen because it connects the boat's historical functional value with its present role in preserving tradition, especially through the Boat Marathon.
The reverse side depicts a Neretva boat viewed from the bow and stern, with an emphasis on the wooden structure and framework of the vessel. This design highlights the boat's recognizable shape and the traditional shipbuilding craftsmanship of the Neretva Valley.
Gold and silver coins
Gold coin, 100 euros, 1 ounce of gold
The most valuable copy of the edition is a gold coin with a face value of 100 euros. It was minted in the highest minting quality, proof, and due to a mintage of only 50 pieces, it is the most exclusive coin in this series.
– metal purity grade: gold 999.9/1000
– mass: 31.103 g
– diameter: 32,00 mm
– forging quality: polished plate
– total quantity: 50 copies
Gold coin, 25 euros, 1/4 ounce of gold
The quarter-ounce gold coin carries a face value of 25 euros. It is made of 999.9/1000 pure gold and struck in high mint luster quality. The total issue is limited to 200 pieces.
– metal purity grade: gold 999.9/1000
- mass: 7,776 g
– diameter: 22.00 mm
– forging quality: high forging luster
– total quantity: 200 copies
Gold coin, 10 euros, 1/16 oz gold
The smallest gold coin in the series has a face value of 10 euros. Due to its lower mass and more affordable price, it will be of interest to collectors who want to own a pure gold edition, as well as those who are trying to complete the entire „Croatian Ships“ series.
– metal purity grade: gold 999.9/1000
– mass: 1,944 g
– diameter: 15.00 mm
– forging quality: high forging luster
– total quantity: 1,000 copies
Srebrnjak, 6 euros, 2 ounces of silver
The largest silver coin in the series has a face value of 6 euros. Due to its weight of two ounces and a diameter of 45 mm, the motifs of the Neretva boat on this issue are particularly prominent. The coin is minted in proof-like quality and issued in a limited mintage of 500 pieces.
– metal purity grade: silver 999.9/1000
– mass: 62.207 g
– diameter: 45.00 mm
– forging quality: high forging luster
- total quantity: 500 copies
Srebrnjak, 4 euros, 1 ounce of silver
The series is complemented by a silver coin with a nominal value of 4 euros and a weight of one ounce. It is the most affordable issue in the series, with a total mintage of 1,500 pieces, so it will certainly be of interest to a wider circle of collectors of Croatian commemorative currency.
– metal purity grade: silver 999.9/1000
– mass: 31.103 g
- diameter: 38.61 mm
– forging quality: high forging luster
- Total quantity: 1,500 copies
New issue of the „Croatian Ships“ series“
The edition dedicated to the Neretva boat continues the presentation of Croatia's maritime and river heritage through numismatics. The coins connect the traditional vessel of the Neretva Valley, contemporary artistic design, and high-quality craftsmanship.
The „Neretvanska lađa“ edition will be on sale starting July 7, 2026.
Note: This article is for the purpose of informing the numismatic community and is not a paid promotion.
Author: Zlatko Viščević with AI assistance
Photos: Croatian Mint
