The Croatian National Bank, in cooperation with the Croatian Mint, is presenting a new commemorative numismatic issue entitled „Queen Jelena the Glorious“, thereby continuing the „Rulers“ series. This issue is dedicated to one of the most important women of the early Croatian Middle Ages, whose name has been preserved in rare but extremely significant historical records.
Coins from this edition are available in gold and silver versions, in multiple denominations and limited series, thereby continuing the tradition of presenting Croatian historical figures through contemporary numismatic art.
The Historical Trace of Queen Jelena
Wise, prudent, and unwavering, Queen Jelena left a deep mark on the history of early medieval Croatia. Her name has been preserved not only in tradition, but also in stone. Namely, in the late 19th century in Solin, fragments of a tombstone epitaph were found that reopened an important chapter of Croatian history.
The inscription confirmed that Jelena was the wife of King Mihajlo Krešimir II and the mother of King Stjepan Držislav. At the same time, it testifies to her role in society – as a ruler who was remembered for her care for the poor, orphans, and widows. Precisely because of this humanity and social responsibility, she remained known among the people as Jelena Slavna.
The discovery of the epitaph caused a strong public reaction, and the news of the find, which confirmed the continuity of the Croatian royal heritage, was also accompanied by the ringing of Split's church bells. Although fractured, the fragments of the stone inscription became solid historical proof of the existence and role of this medieval Croatian queen.
Visual solution and symbolism
The author of the conceptual design of the numismatic issue is a sculptor Nikola Vudrag, who, alongside the figure of Queen Jelena, also chose the motif of the Velebit degenia. It is an endemic plant that grows out of stone and defies the harsh conditions of the mountain environment.
Such a symbol of natural endurance strongly reflects both the permanence of Croatia's historical heritage and the character of Queen Jelena herself—a ruler whose name, despite the passage of more than a thousand years, remains permanently recorded in national history.
Gold and silver coins
The coins are struck in proof quality and high mint luster, and the issue includes four different denominations:
Gold coin, face value 100 euros (1 ounce)
– metal purity grade: gold 999.9/1000
– mass: 31.103 g
– diameter: 32,00 mm
– forging quality: polished plate
– author: Nikola Vudrag, bacc. art.
– total quantity: 100 pieces
Gold coin, face value 25 euros (1/4 oz)
– metal purity grade: gold 999.9/1000
- mass: 7,776 g
– diameter: 22.00 mm
– forging quality: high forging luster
– author: Nikola Vudrag, bacc. art.
– total quantity: 300 pieces
Gold coin, denomination 10 euros (1/16 oz)
– metal purity grade: gold 999.9/1000
– mass: 1,944 g
– diameter: 15.00 mm
– forging quality: high forging luster
– author: Nikola Vudrag, bacc. art.
– total quantity: 1,500 pieces
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Silver coin, face value 6 euros (2 ounces)
– metal purity grade: silver 999.9/1000
– mass: 62.207 g
– diameter: 45.00 mm
– forging quality: high forging luster
– author: Nikola Vudrag, bacc. art.
– total quantity: 5 pieces
Silver coin, face value 4 euros (1 ounce)
– metal purity grade: silver 999.9/1000
– mass: 31.103 g
- diameter: 38.61 mm
– forging quality: high forging luster
– author: Nikola Vudrag, bacc. art.
- total quantity: 2,000 pieces
Packaging design
The entire release is rounded out with tematically shaped packaging, behind which stands the female designer Izvorka Jurić from Dig studio. Special attention has been paid to every detail of the packaging – the most valuable specimens are housed in luxury presentation boxes, while the other coins are packaged in elegantly designed boxes with matching protective sleeves.
Numismatic dedication to the Croatian queen
The numismatic issue „Queen Jelena the Glorious“ represents a fusion of history, art, and contemporary Croatian numismatics. The likeness of the medieval ruler, whose name has been preserved in a stone inscription from Solin, has been transformed by these coins into a lasting numismatic record of an important chapter in Croatian statehood and cultural heritage.
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
