Native Croatian sheepdog featured on new limited-edition coins

Croatia is set to release five limited-edition gold and silver collector coins celebrating the Croatian Sheepdog, a native breed with a history dating back centuries.

The Croatian National Bank (HNB), in cooperation with the Croatian Mint, has announced a new numismatic issue dedicated to the Croatian Sheepdog as part of its “Native Croatia” series.

Known for its distinctive black, curly coat, alert expression and intelligence, the breed has long been associated with rural life in Croatia, particularly the Slavonia region. The first written records of the Croatian Sheepdog date back to the 14th century.

For generations, the breed has served as a working dog on farms, valued for its agility, endurance and ability to work alongside people.

The tradition of breeding and living alongside the Croatian Sheepdog has also been recognised as an intangible cultural asset of the Republic of Croatia.

Five limited-edition coins

The new collection features five versions of the Croatian Sheepdog coin, all struck in proof-like high minting quality and issued in limited numbers.

The designs were created by artist Jelena Mavrić Varga, who incorporated elements reflecting the breed’s character and historical surroundings.

On the obverse, the dog is depicted standing alert, with ears of wheat in the background evoking the agricultural landscape of Slavonia.

The reverse shows the Croatian Sheepdog sitting calmly, presenting a contrasting image of the breed as both an energetic working dog and a loyal companion.

The collection comprises three gold coins and two silver coins:

• One-ounce coloured gold coin – limited to 50 pieces

• One-eighth-ounce gold coin – limited to 300 pieces

• One-sixteenth-ounce gold coin – limited to 1,000 pieces

• One-ounce silver coin – limited to 1,500 pieces

• Five-ounce coloured silver coin – limited to 300 pieces

The coins are presented in specially designed boxes created by Dig studio.