Obverse. Photo © NumisCorner.com
  • 25 Kuna 1997, KM# 48, Croatia, 5th Anniversary of Accession of Croatia to UN
  • 25 Kuna 1997, KM# 48, Croatia, 5th Anniversary of Accession of Croatia to UN
Description

The coin commemorates the 5th anniversary (1992-1997) of the admission of the Republic of Croatia, as an independent and recognised state, into the United Nations Organisation.

At the session of the United Nations General Assembly held on 22 May 1992, Croatia was, alongside Slovenia and Bosnia and Herzegovina, admitted to the membership of the United Nations. Croatia's UN delegation was led by the Croatian President Franjo Tuđman. After a solemn session, United Nations Secretary-General Boutros Boutros Ghali sent delegations from the new UN members states to the main entrance of the UN headquarters, where Croatian, Slovenian and Bosnian-Herzegovinian flags were erected on the masts. Many diplomats and thousands of Croatian emigrants attended flag hoisting ceremony.

Release date: 27 October 1997
Designer: Damir Mataušić

Obverse

The core and the ring of the coin carry the emblem of the United Nations Organization, featuring a map of the world within the core, and a particularly distinct relief of the Republic of Croatia. The image within the core is framed by stylized olive branches placed within the ring of the coin. Above the emblem, in two rows, written "The Republic of Croatia in O (for organisation) U.N." and the date of receipt the Republic of Croatia in U.N. "22.V.1992." (V is 5 in Roman). Under the symbol, it is written the year of minting.

The emblem of the United Nations Organization depicts a map of the world representing an azimuthal equidistant projection centred on the North Pole, inscribed in a wreath consisting of crossed conventionalized branches of the olive tree. The projection of the map extends to 60 degrees south latitude, and includes five concentric circles. The olive branches are a symbol for peace, and the world map represents all the people and the countries of the world.

REPUBLIKA HRVATSKA U O.U.N.
22.V.1992. 1997.

Reverse

The central part of the coin's core carries the designation of the nominal value 25. Within the numeral outlines, the figure of a pine marten running towards the right is shown; the marten's body is integrated with the numeral denoting the nominal value. In the bottom, central part of the coin's ring the coat of arms of the Republic of Croatia is impressed. A blooming laurel branch is placed in a semicircle on the left to the coat of arms, while a common oak branch with fruits is on the right. The top part of the ring carries the semicircular inscription The Republic of Croatia.

The word "kuna" means "marten" in Croatian since it is based on the use of marten pelts as units of value in medieval trading.

The martens are slender, agile animals, adapted to living in taigas, and are found in coniferous and northern deciduous forests across the Northern Hemisphere. They have bushy tails, and large paws with partially retractible claws. The fur varies from yellowish to dark brown, depending on the species, and, in many cases, is valued by fur trappers.

The coat of arms of the Republic of Croatia consists of one main shield and five smaller shields which form a crown over the main shield. The main coat of arms is a checkerboard (chequy) that consists of 13 red and 12 silver (white) fields. It's also informally known in Croatian as šahovnica ("chessboard", from šah, "chess"). The five smaller shields represent five different historical regions within Croatia.

REPUBLIKA HRVATSKA
25
KUNA

Edge

25 Kuna

5th Anniversary of Accession of Croatia to UN

KM# 48 Schön# 62
Characteristics
Type Commemorative Issue (Circulating)
Material Bi-Metallic
Ring Cupronickel
Center Copper Aluminum Nickel
Weight 12.75 g
Diameter 32 mm
Thickness 2.2 mm
Shape polygon
Sides 12
Alignment Medal
Mint
Croatian Monetary Institute (HNZ)

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