Croatia. New Gold and Silver Proof Coins Mark Bicentenary Anniversary of Samobor Carnival

First launched in 2023, the series Croatian Heritage focuses on national events, landmarks, celebrations and traditions that highlight the Croatian experience throughout its long history. For 2026, the new theme marks the 200^th anniversary of one of the oldest and most famous celebratory customs in the Republic of Croatia – the Samobor Carnival.

As one of the oldest and most recognisable carnival traditions in Croatia, the celebration is nationally protected as an intangible cultural asset. For two centuries, it has nurtured satire, free speech, shared joy and through masks, humour, and public commentary on social reality. So closely associated with the city of Samobor, it has become an indispensable part of the identity of the immediate region.

The guardians of this tradition are four primary characters known as the Carnival Prince Fasnik, the Judge Sudec, the Fiscal attorney and a special place that is occupied by the Magpie – known locally as Princeza Sraka. She is portrayed as sharp, curious and always well-informed. As a symbol of the Carnival spirit, the Princess Magpie sees everything, hears everything and forgets nothing. Not just decoration, is the voice of the people, the bearer of criticism, witty remarks and the indispensable witness to all Carnival events and mishaps. During the week of festivities, the characters take possession of the town keys and promote their motto ‘Fools fool around every day and the clever ones only on Carnival’.

However, as tradition dictates, the Carnival splendours end with the trial of Prince Fašnik, who each time fails to avoid the gallows, because Princess Sraka's super powers had dried up and he becomes stronger in his own stupidity. The Judge Sedec declares –

'In the name of the Carnival court, the people and my firm hand - with a calm soul and a clear conscience,
I declare he is guilty!

He orders the executioners to draw their torches and an effigy of Prince Fasnik is burned – culminating in the end of the carnival and celebrations.

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 Karlo Gross, the obverse side depicts a standing motif of Princess Magpie, centred and in semi-profile arms outstretched. Beginning along the left rim and above the primary design is the stylised text 200 godina Samoborskog fašnika (200 years of the Samobor Carnival). The year of issue 2026 is shown just above the image of princess Magpie. Below and along the lower rim are a string of festive carnival flags. On the five-ounce proof coin, the flags are alternately coloured red, yellow and green and the Magpie Princess Costume coat, golves and mask is shown in white and black.

The reverse side features depictions of the three characters representing the Samobor Carnival, they are the Judge, the Fiscal attorney and the Carnival Prince Fasnik, who playfully peek out from the lower edge of the coin. Between the depictions of the Fiscal attorney and Prince Fasnik is the denomination shown in euro along with the numerals 50 or 20 (gold) 8 or 4 (silver). Above the two rows of Carnival depicted in the background is a stylised inscription REPUBLIKA HRVATSKA.

Available from the 6th February, each gold or silver proof option is encapsulated and presented in a custom case accompanied with a certificate of authenticity. For additional information, please visit the e-webshop of the Croatian Mint.  https://croatianmint.hr/trgovina/