The First Ultra High Relief Coin with Partial Gilding of the Croatian Mint

The coin is not only a technical masterpiece of the Croatian Mint but also reminds us of one of the most beautiful Croatian legends.

Trsat Dragon

Count Laval Nugent of Westmeath’s mausoleum, well known to all visitors to Rijeka, is guarded by two magnificent basilisks. The people of Rijeka associated these sculptures with a wonderful legend. It tells of a dragon with a golden heart that protected the people. When the dragon saw that a little girl was about to be dragged into the sea by a giant octopus, the dragon fought the monster to save her. He was severely injured in this fight. And so the soft-hearted dragon learned that it is dangerous to love. He fled, leaving the people who came the next day with gifts to thank him to stand outside his empty lair. The people erected two statues in his memory. They are said to keep the peace in Rijeka to this day.

The first ultra high relief issue of the Croatian Mint with partial gilding and antique finish: Trsat Dragon with a face value of 6 euros. Image: Croatian Mint.

Design and Technology

Natalya Danysz created a design for the first issues of this coin series that was perfectly suited to be transferred onto an ultra high relief issue. After all, the Trsat Dragon is actually a basilisk, a mythical creature with the head of a rooster and the body of a serpent. The basilisk is considered to be the king of snakes. Its mere glance and its breath are deadly. Thanks to the ultra high relief and the antique finish, we can see every scale and every feather of this terrifying beast. The shield on the obverse has been lavishly gilded, creating a perfect contrast to the antique finish.

The new commemorative coin features the same design as the 100-euro and the 4-euro coins. The obverse shows a basilisk. The circumscription reads TRSATSKI ZMAJ 2024 (= Trsat Dragon 2024).

The reverse also shows a basilisk, holding the personal coat of arms of Count Laval Nugent of Westmeath in the claws of his right paw. The circumscription reads REPUBLIKA HRVATSKA 6 EURO.

For the presentation of the numismatic work of art, a special packaging was created in cooperation with the designers of Germania Mint. It not only serves to protect the coin but also to display it. Oak wood, acrylic glass and Qureco were used. Qureco is an innovative, ecologically sustainable material that not only protects the coin but is also aesthetically pleasing.

Issue Date and Price

Anyone who wanted to obtain one of the ultra high relief issues had to be quick: after the launch on 14 November 2024, it only took a short time for the coins to be completely sold out.

The series also includes a 100-euro and a 4-euro coin, the latter can still be purchased directly from the website of Croatian Mint.