The Croatian National Bank has presented new gold and silver collector coins "Marija Jurić Zagorka" at Monterra – The Money Museum of the Croatian National Bank. The commemorative motifs on the coins feature the portrait of Marija Jurić Zagorka, the first Croatian journalist and one of the most read writers in Croatia, whose work is an important part of the Croatian cultural heritage.
The gold coin is issued in the 100 euro denomination 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 collector coin is limited at 100 pieces and that of the 4 euro silver coin is limited at 1,000 pieces.
"Zagorka and her work, her life path, are not only part of the Croatian history we can all be proud of. Even today, the work of this Croatian journalist and writer is read avidly by all generations. Through suspense plots and cleverly written novels she teaches young people about the love for the mother tongue, about integrity, public interest and against superstition and hypocrisy, emphasising the feminine identity and independence as the necessary determinants of the democratic world", said Vicegovernor Ivana Jakir-Bajo at the promotion.
The collector coins are designed by sculptor Jelena Mavrić Varga, who said: "Throughout her life, Marija Jurić Zagorka contributed significantly to the fact that women today have jobs and are free, we choose who to marry and love, to express ourselves, without being limited by any norms. I think that it is very important that she stands side by side with other important Croatian female and male writers. It is an honour that I have the opportunity to work on her portrait on the coin. Marija Jurić Zagorka was ahead of her time, beyond the norms of the time. Her ideas about the equality of women are still current, the fight for the full equality is still ongoing. This coin is not just a presentation of this writer, it is also the proof that we welcome and accept differences, that we value equality and freedom".
"The Croatian Mint is very proud of this issue of gold and silver coins commemorating our Zagorka, whose novels have become a true national asset. Zagorka symbolises not only Zagreb, but the whole Croatia and interest in her work at the libraries throughout our homeland is always live and active. I am sure that these collector issues will also attract such a large interest among the public", said Ivan Odrljin, Head of Sales at the Croatian Mint.
CNB Vicegovernor Ivana Jakir-Bajo awarded a "Marija Jurić Zagorka" silver coin to the Manager of the Memorial Apartment of Marija Jurić Zagorka, Ana Zbiljić.
The coins are released for sale on 24 April 2025 and will be sold by the Croatian Mint. The initial selling price of the 100 euro gold collector coin is expected to range around EUR 3,500.00, and the selling price of the 4 euro silver collector coin is expected to range around EUR 79.99, 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 the purchase and order of "Marija Jurić Zagorka" collector coins, please visit the website of the Croatian Mint.