Logo Title
obverse
reverse
Chilian

1 Kuna (Kuna Currency) – Croatia

Circulating commemorative coins
Commemoration: 10th anniversary of Kuna Currency
Croatia
Context
Year: 2004
Issuer: Croatia Issuer flag
Period:
(since 1991)
Currency:
(1994—2022)
Demonetization: 15 January 2023
Total mintage: 4,002,000
Material
Diameter: 22.5 mm
Weight: 5 g
Thickness: 1.7 mm
Shape: Round
Composition: Nickel brass (65.7% Copper, 23.2% Zinc, 11.1% Nickel)
Magnetic: No
Technique: Milled
Alignment: Medal alignment
Obverse
OBVERSE ↑
flip
Reverse
REVERSE ↑
References
KM: #Click to copy to clipboard79
Numista: #2494
Value
Exchange value: 1 HRK

Obverse

Description:
A marten runs right in the upper half-circle, with the numeral "1" and the word "KUNA" on its body. "REPUBLIKA HRVATSKA" arches above. Below, the central coat of arms is flanked by stylized wheat ears (right) and an olive branch (left).
Inscription:
REPUBLIKA HRVATSKA

1

KUNA
Translation:
REPUBLIC OF CROATIA

1

Kuna
Script: Latin
Language: Croatian
Engraver: Kuzma Kovačić

Reverse

Description:
A left-facing nightingale is centrally depicted, encircled by its Latin name (LUSCINIA MEGARHYNCHOS). The years 1994-2004 are below, and the signature "KK" is near its foot.
Inscription:
LUSCINIA MEGARHYNCHOS

KK

1994.-2004.
Script: Latin
Engraver: Kuzma Kovačić

Edge

Reeded (86 grooves)

Categories

Animal> Bird

Mints

NameMark
Croatian Mint

Mintings

YearMint MarkMintageQualityCollection
20042,000Proof
20044,000,000

Historical background

In 2004, Croatia's currency situation was defined by a managed floating exchange rate regime, with the Croatian kuna (HRK) as the national currency. The primary objective of the Croatian National Bank (CNB) was to maintain price and exchange rate stability, a challenging task given the country's high euroization, where a significant portion of savings and loans were denominated in foreign currencies, primarily the euro. This reliance created vulnerability to exchange rate fluctuations, making stability a key pillar of monetary policy.

The kuna was not pegged to the euro but was closely managed against it, with the CNB frequently intervening in the foreign exchange market to smooth out excessive volatility. This period followed a successful stabilization program from the 1990s, and by 2004, the kuna was relatively stable, fostering an environment conducive to economic growth and increasing foreign investment. However, the economy faced persistent challenges, including a large current account deficit and rising public debt, which placed underlying pressure on the currency framework.

This monetary policy approach was strategically aligned with Croatia's broader European integration goals. In 2004, the country was actively pursuing European Union membership, making the stability of the kuna and the reduction of inflation essential for meeting the Maastricht criteria in the future. Therefore, the currency management of 2004 was not only about immediate economic stability but also a deliberate step toward preparing for eventual Eurozone accession, a process that would culminate nearly two decades later with the adoption of the euro in 2023.
🌱 Very Common