The Croatian National Bank, in cooperation with the Croatian Mint, presents a new commemorative numismatic issue dedicated to the 200th anniversary of the Samobor Carnival, one of the oldest and most famous carnival events in Croatia. This is an issue that conveys the spirit of satire, free speech, and shared joy that Samobor has cherished for a full two centuries in a modern yet symbolically powerful way.
The numismatic issue is titled „200th Anniversary of the Samobor Carnival“ This is part of the series „Croatian heritage“. It will be available for purchase starting February 5, 2026, at 9:00 AM, through the official web shop of the Croatian Mint and at authorized sales partners.
Two hundred years of carnival tradition
Since 1827, the Samobor Carnival has transformed the town every year into a space where humor, irony, and a critical view of everyday life are not only permitted, but expected. During the Carnival, power is symbolically handed over to the carnival characters, while laughter, satire, and wit become the official form of public speech. It is precisely this tradition of freely commenting on social reality that has secured the Carnival a special place in Croatia's cultural heritage, confirmed by its status as intangible cultural good.
Among the numerous Carnival characters, Sraka stands out in particular – sharp-tongued, inquisitive, and always well-informed. As an eternal chronicler of events, she „sees everything, hears everything, and forgets nothing,“ which is why her role goes beyond mere symbolism. Sraka is the voice of the people, a bearer of criticism and witty remarks, and an unavoidable witness to all Carnival adventures and misadventures.
Visual solution and artistic message
The author of the conceptual design, Karlo Gross, MFA, chose the Magpie as the central motif of this numismatic issue precisely for this reason. Her figure on the coins embodies the freedom of speech, wit, and cheerfulness that the Samobor Carnival has nurtured for 200 years. Through a contemporary artistic approach, tradition has been translated into the medium of precious metals, retaining its recognizable message and symbolism.
Gold and silver coins
The coins are minted in high uncirculated quality, and the issue includes four different denominations:
zvor: Croatian Mint [www.croatianmint.hr].
Gold coin, face value 50 euros (1/2 ounce)
– metal purity grade: gold 999.9/1000
- mass: 15.552 g
- diameter: 25.00 mm
– author: Karlo Gross, Mag. Art.
– total quantity: 200 pieces
Source: Croatian Mint [www.croatianmint.hr].
Gold coin, nominal 20 euros (1/8 oz)
– metal purity grade: gold 999.9/1000
– mass: 3,888 g
– diameter: 18.00 mm
– author: Karlo Gross, Mag. Art.
- total quantity: 500 pieces
Source: Croatian Mint [www.croatianmint.hr].
Srebrnjak, nominal 8 euros (5 oz, colored)
– metal purity grade: silver 999.9/1000
– mass: 155,518 g
– diameter: 60.00 mm
– author: Karlo Gross, Mag. Art.
– total quantity: 300 pieces
Source: Croatian Mint [www.croatianmint.hr].
Srebrnjak, nominal 4 euros (1 ounce)
– metal purity grade: silver 999.9/1000
– mass: 31.103 g
- diameter: 38.61 mm
– author: Karlo Gross, Mag. Art.
– total quantity: 1,500 pieces
Numismatic record of the Carnival spirit
The edition „200th Anniversary of the Samobor Carnival“ represents a blend of art, tradition, and contemporary Croatian numismatics. The figure of Sraka, as a lasting symbol of the carnival spirit, has been transformed by these coins into a permanent numismatic record of two centuries of history, satire, free speech, and shared joy—values that make the Samobor Carnival alive and relevant today, just as loud and recognizable as it was two centuries ago.
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 [www.croatianmint.hr]
