Logo Title
obverse
reverse
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25 Kuna – Croatia

Circulating commemorative coins
Commemoration: Opening of the Pelješac bridge for traffic
Croatia
Context
Year: 2022
Issuer: Croatia Issuer flag
Period:
(since 1991)
Currency:
(1994—2022)
Demonetization: 15 January 2023
Total mintage: 30,000
Material
Diameter: 32 mm
Weight: 12.75 g
Thickness: 2.2 mm
Technique: Milled
Alignment: Medal alignment
Obverse
OBVERSE ↑
flip
Reverse
REVERSE ↑
References
KM: #Click to copy to clipboard133
Numista: #336219
Value
Exchange value: 25 HRK

Obverse

Description:
The inner core features two squares, evoking the Croatian coat of arms and its connected territories, symbolizing road networks. Below the larger square are an oak branch with acorns and a blooming laurel. The outline of the larger square forms a marten facing right, extending beyond it. To the marten's left is the Croatian coat of arms, and to its right the denomination "25 KUNA." "REPUBLIKA" arcs above the core, with "HRVATSKA" below.
Inscription:
REPUBLIKA

HRVATSKA

25

KUNA
Translation:
REPUBLIC

OF CROATIA

25

KUNA
Script: Latin
Language: Croatian
Designer and engraver: Damir Mataušić

Reverse

Description:
The Pelješac Bridge is depicted in the center, extending onto the ring, with a portion of the connected peninsula behind it. The inscription "PELJEŠKI MOST" and the year "2022" appear on the ring below the bridge.
Inscription:
PELJEŠKI MOST 2022.
Translation:
Pelješac Bridge 2022
Script: Latin
Language: Croatian
Designer and engraver: Damir Mataušić

Edge

Plain

Mints

NameMark
Croatian Mint

Mintings

YearMint MarkMintageQualityCollection
202230,000

Historical background

In 2022, Croatia was in the final and crucial stage of its journey toward adopting the euro, a process set for completion on January 1, 2023. The year was characterized by intensive technical and legal preparations to replace the national currency, the kuna (HRK), which had been stable since its introduction in 1994. The kuna was pegged to the euro via the ERM II mechanism since 2020, maintaining a central rate of 7.53450 kuna to the euro, which provided stability and minimized exchange rate risk during the transition period.

The domestic economic context for this change was shaped by significant inflationary pressures, largely imported due to the global energy crisis and supply chain disruptions following Russia's invasion of Ukraine. Annual inflation in Croatia averaged 10.8% in 2022, eroding purchasing power. However, the fixed exchange rate to the euro helped prevent a currency-driven inflationary spiral, and the prospect of euro adoption was seen as a long-term shield against currency volatility and a boost for investment and credit rating improvements. Public opinion remained divided, with concerns about potential price rounding and a sentimental attachment to the kuna, but support for the euro generally grew as the benefits for tourism, trade, and financial integration within the EU were emphasized.

Throughout the year, the Croatian National Bank, in close coordination with the European Central Bank and the European Commission, worked on logistical milestones. This included the production and secure distribution of euro banknotes and coins, the mass reprocessing of kuna cash by financial institutions, and a large-scale public information campaign to familiarize citizens with the conversion rate and new currency. By the end of 2022, all systems were in place for the "big switch," marking the end of an era for the kuna and positioning Croatia to enter the Eurozone as its 20th member, aiming for deeper economic integration and monetary stability.
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