In recent years, Croatia has become a favourite among euro collectors, with low mintages and beautiful designs, and the community welcomed the country’s third 2-euro commemorative coin enthusiastically.

Croatia: 500th Anniversary of Marko Marulić’s Death

To mark the 500th anniversary of the death of Marko Marulić, the “father of Croatian literature,” Croatia issued a new 2-euro commemorative coin. Marulić, known for his work *Judita*, is celebrated as a major Renaissance poet. Released on 15 October 2024, the coin has a mintage of 195,000 in brilliant uncirculated quality and 5,000 in proof quality.

The reverse of the Coincard features an excerpt from the ‘Evangelistario di Marco Marulo Spalatense’ – a significant medieval manuscript written in the 15th century. The Evangelistario is a collection of religious and moral writings where Marulić comments on and interprets biblical texts. Photo: Croatian Mint.

Looking Ahead: Future 2-Euro Commemorative Coins

In the final two months of 2024, a few more 2-euro commemorative coins will be released to complete this year’s collection:

– Latvia will celebrate traditional crafts with the “Puzuris” coin in November, minted in 413,000 pieces.
– Andorra will issue two coins on 13 December, marking the 2024 UCI Mountain Bike World Championship and the centenary of skiing in Andorra, each with a mintage of 60,000.
– Slovenia will commemorate the 250th anniversary of the National and University Library with a mintage of 996,250 in December.
– The Vatican will celebrate the 150th birthday of radio pioneer Guglielmo Marconi with 67,000 brilliant uncirculated coins and 9,900 proof coins.
– Cyprus will mark the 20th anniversary of its accession to the European Union with a commemorative coin, though mintage figures are yet to be confirmed.

In the meantime, Greece has announced the themes for its 2025 2-euro coins:

Greece: 100th Birthday of Mikis Theodorakis
To celebrate the 100th birthday of Mikis Theodorakis, the world-renowned composer and political activist, Greece will issue a new 2-euro commemorative coin. Theodorakis gained international acclaim for works such as the soundtrack for Zorba the Greek, leaving a lasting mark on Greek music. The coin will be released in 2025 with a mintage of 746,500 in brilliant uncirculated quality (including 6,000 in three different coincards) and 3,500 in proof quality.

Greece: 100th Birthday of Manos Hadjidakis
In 2025, Greece will also celebrate the 100th birthday of composer Manos Hadjidakis with a 2-euro commemorative coin. Hadjidakis, a pioneer of modern Greek music and an Oscar winner for Never on Sunday, influenced generations of musicians. The coin will have a mintage of 746,500 in brilliant uncirculated quality (including 6,000 in three different coincards) and 3,500 in proof quality.