Croatia. New Gold and Silver Proof Coins Honour Historical National Figure

The Croatian ruler first became Duke of Croatia circa 910 and was crowned king in 925, reigning until 928 and to this day, his memory stands as a strong symbol of Croatian history, culture and identity. 

Although Tomislav's ancestry is unknown, it is believed he was a member of the medieval Trpimirović dynasty. Historical records of Tomislav are scarce, but it is assumed that he was a son of Duke Muncimir, who was the son of Trpimir I and for whom the dynasty was named after. Tomislav succeeded Muncimir, as duke around the year 910 which is the most widely accepted theory. Although there is a nearly twenty-year difference between the first documentation of Tomislav and the last mention of Muncimir his predecessor as Duke of Croatia, historians believe Tomislav had become King of Croatia by 925. This is the accepted chapter in the country’s history according to the Historia Salonitana, a 13th-century chronicle authored by Thomas the Archdeacon of Split.

Although no official inscriptions of Tomislav exist to confirm his title as king, he was the first Croatian ruler whom the papal chancellery referred to as ‘king’. Further theories suggest that Pope John X or his representative had Tomislav crowned before the 925 Council of Split, or that Tomislav crowned himself.

Tomislav's realm covered most of present-day southern and central Croatia as well as the Dalmatian coast, excluding the Theme of Dalmatia, parts of present-day western Herzegovina and northern and western Bosnia with a population of medieval Croatia estimated between 440,000 to 880,000. Tomislav was succeeded in 928 by his younger brother who was named Trpimir II, also the son of Duke Muncimir. The Trpimirović dynasty would rule the Croatian kingdom under the reign of King Stephen who was king from 1089 to 1091.  

So solid is the legacy of King Tomislav in Croatia and parts of the old Kingdom that in May 1941, when Prince Aimone, Duke of Aosta of the House of Savoy was proclaimed King of the Axis state of Croatia, he chose the name of Tomislav II to gain legitimacy for the puppet state. He never arrived in Croatia and despite the fact he was never crowned or assumed the Croatian throne, he formally abdicated as king on the 31st July 1943.

The gold and silver coins share the same design and are produced by the Croatian Mint at their facilities in Sveta Nedelja on behalf of the Croatian National Bank. Designed by the sculptor Nikola Vudrag, the obverse side features a profile of King Tomislav facing to the right centred and wearing a gold crown characteristic of the era. Surrounding the profile is a ring with a raised surface which includes the relief text ANNO DOMINI 925. KRALJ TOMISLAV (Year of our Lord 925 King Tomislav). The reverse side is adorned with a mature olive tree signifying strength, wisdom, peace and lineage which is centred. Surrounding the tree is a ring with a raised surface which includes the relief text REPUBLIKA HRVATSKA along with the denomination 200 to 4 EURO and the year of issue, 2025.

Available from the 20^th March, each silver and gold proof coin is encapsulated and presented in a custom National Bank-branded case accompanied with a numbered certificate of authenticity. The collection is also available as a special five-coin set or as individual items. For additional information, please visit the e-webshop of the Croatian Mint.