The Croatian National Bank today presented at Moneterra the new gold collector coins and silver collector coin “Ivan Vučetić’s Innovations”, issued as part of the collector coin series “Croatian Innovators”. The commemorative motifs on the coins depict an effigy and the innovations of Ivan Vučetić, a criminologist and the inventor of dactyloscopy. Vučetić devised and patented a dactyloscopic fingerprint classification system, thereby enabling the identification of persons by means of papillary lines on their fingers, which is an important part of the scientific heritage of the Republic of Croatia and the world.
Tihomir Mavriček, the Executive Director of the CNB Currency Area, gave an opening speech on the occasion and Tina Smoljanović, Head of the Department of Dactyloscopy and Identification of the Ivan Vučetić Forensic Science Centre and Ivan Odrljin of the Croatian Mint, also spoke about the collector coin issue.
“Today we are presenting collector coins dedicated to one of the most significant innovators of Croatian descent, a man whose discovery has changed criminalitics, forensics, and the way we understand human identity – Ivan Vučetić. It should be noted that Vučetić's work was much more than a technical discovery. He contributed to the development of a society in which facts take precedence over assumptions, and evidence over speculation. His innovation has made it possible for something seemingly invisible, a tiny pattern on a fingertip, to become the key to discovering identity and establishing the truth. This is precisely why his legacy is an exceptionally fitting subject for a collector coin. Like a fingerprint, money is a clue. The coins we are presenting today are a lasting testament to the times, people, and ideas that have shaped our history. They are not merely a means of payment or a collector’s item; they are small metal ambassadors of our culture, science and national heritage,” Mavriček said.
Tina Smoljanović, speaking on behalf of the Ivan Vučetić Forensic Science Centre, stated that she is proud that “his legacy lives on through our work today and that on this occasion we can further highlight his exceptional contribution to the Croatian and world forensics.” She added that this issue is a valuable reminder of Vučetić’s innovation, vision and lasting contribution to science. Ivan Odrljin noted that Vučetić's revolutionary system of identifying persons with fingerprints has left an indelible mark on the world science and criminalistics and that his legacy is still being applied worldwide today. “Vučetić is an example of the Croatian knowledge, innovation and vision that has transcended national borders, and we believe this collector issue will fittingly present his exceptional contribution to the general public and generate great interest among collectors and the wider public,” concluded Odrljin. The sale of the collector issue “Ivan Vučetić’s Innovations” starts on 24 September, at 9 a.m., at the Croatian Mint online shop.
The gold collector coins are issued in the 100 and 20 euro denominations and the silver collector coin is issued in the 4 euro denomination. The total issued quantity of the 100 euro gold coin is limited at 50 pieces and that of the 20 euro gold coin at 150 pieces. The total issued quantity of the 4 euro silver coin is limited at 1,000 pieces.
The coins will be sold by the Croatian Mint. The initial selling price for the 100 euro gold collector coin is expected to range around EUR 4,561.11, that for the 20 euro gold coin around EUR 598.74 and the selling price for the 4 euro silver collector coin is expected to range around EUR 106.71, VAT included. The selling price at the time of purchase will depend on gold and silver price movements in the open market.
For orders and purchases, see Croatian Mint.