by croatiaweek
January 31, 2026
in
(Photo: Branimir Kralj)
One of Croatia’s oldest and most recognisable cultural traditions is being honoured with a special numismatic release to mark a major anniversary.
The Croatian National Bank (Hrvatska narodna banka – HNB) has announced the issuance of commemorative gold and silver coins celebrating the 200th anniversary of Samoborski fašnik, the famous Samobor Carnival.
The coins are part of the Croatian National Bank’s ongoing “Croatian Heritage” numismatic series, which highlights important elements of Croatia’s cultural identity, traditions and intangible heritage.
This latest release pays tribute to Samoborski fašnik, widely regarded as one of the oldest and most distinctive carnival traditions in this part of Europe.
First held in the early 19th century, Samoborski fašnik has for two centuries combined satire, humour and social commentary, becoming a defining feature of Samobor’s local identity.
The carnival will celebrate its 200th edition this year from 6 to 17 February.
The artistic design of the commemorative coins has been created by academic sculptor Karlo Gross, with production and sales managed by the Croatian Mint (Hrvatska kovnica novca d.o.o.).
The central motif on the coins is Princess Sraka, one of the most recognisable characters of Samoborski fašnik. Known as the “voice of the people”, she traditionally acts as a sharp-witted commentator and chronicler of current events.
(Croatian Mint)
The reverse side of both the gold and silver coins features other key figures of the carnival’s symbolic order: Prince Fašnik, Sudec and Fiškal, longstanding guardians of the fašnik tradition.
The commemorative issue includes both gold and silver coins in limited quantities:
• Gold coins
◦ €50 denomination – maximum of 200 pieces
◦ €20 denomination – maximum of 500 pieces
• Silver coins
◦ €8 denomination (colourised) – maximum of 300 pieces
◦ €4 denomination – maximum of 1,500 pieces
(Croatian Mint)
The strictly limited minting numbers underline the collectible value of the series, particularly for numismatists and collectors of cultural heritage issues.
Initial expected retail prices are as follows:
• €50 gold coin: approximately €2,649.92
• €20 gold coin: approximately €694.54
• €8 colourised silver coin: approximately €919.99 (including VAT)
• €4 silver coin: approximately €209.99 (including VAT)
Final purchase prices will depend on movements in gold and silver prices on the open market at the time of sale.
The commemorative coins will be available for purchase from 5 February 2026, with ordering and purchasing details provided via official Croatian Mint channels.