"Gajeta Falkuša" - New numismatic issue in honour of the legendary ship from Komiža

03.09.2025.

“Gajeta Falkuša” – New numismatic issue in honour of the legendary ship from Komiža

The Croatian National Bank, in collaboration with the Croatian Mint, is introducing a new collector issue that tells the story of the Falkuša – the legendary fishing boat from the island of Vis. The gold and silver collector coins “Gajeta Falkuša” will be available for purchase from September 9, 2025.

This issue is the first in the series of collector coins “The Croatian Ships”, released in honour of maritime heritage and in celebration of the traditions of Croatia’s most remote inhabited island – Vis.

The falkuša gajeta is one of the most important traditional vessels of the Adriatic Sea and a symbol of Croatia’s maritime legacy. It was born out of the need of fishermen from Komiža for a fast, capacious, and durable boat. Its unique feature lies in its adaptable construction – with side boards known as “falkas”, allowing it to transform from a fishing vessel into a sailing boat.
The last original falkuša gajeta sank in 1986, but after eleven years of research, a faithful replica was built. Today, three such replicas preserve the spirit of the past and represent a living symbol of Komiža’s identity and its maritime tradition.

The coins are minted in Proof quality and are available in four versions:

1-ounce gold coin, nominal value €100 (limited to 150 pieces)
¼-ounce gold coin, nominal value €25 (limited to 250 pieces)
1-ounce silver coin, nominal value €4 (limited to 1,500 pieces)
2-ounce silver coin, nominal value €6 (limited to 500 pieces)

The coin’s design, created by academic sculptor Jelena Mavrić Varga, features two falkuša gajetas on the obverse, vessels that braved the waves of the Adriatic Sea for centuries. The reverse shows a view of the Kaštel in Komiža alongside the remaining three falkuša gajetas – the only surviving examples of this unique craft.

“Gajeta Falkuša” issue will be available for purchase on September 9, 2025, from 9 a.m. via the official web store of the Croatian Mint and from authorized sales partners, and delivery will take place during September and October.