New Collector Issue Features Queen Jelena

13.03.2026.

The Croatian National Bank, in collaboration with the Croatian Mint, presents a new collector issue entitled “Queen Jelena the Glorious”, continuing the “Rulers” series.

Wise, prudent and steadfast, Queen Jelena left a profound mark on the early Croatian Middle Ages. Her name was not preserved in legend, but in stone. On fragments of a funerary epitaph discovered in Solin in the late nineteenth century, history spoke once more. The inscription confirmed that Jelena was the wife of King Mihajlo Krešimir II and the mother of King Stjepan Držislav, but also far more than that – a ruler remembered for her care for the poor, orphans and widows. It was precisely because of this role that she became known among the people as Jelena the Glorious.

1 ounce gold coin "Queen Jelena the Glorious"

The discovery of the epitaph resonated strongly with the public, and the ringing of church bells in Split accompanied the news of a finding that confirmed the continuity of the Croatian royal heritage. Though fragmented, the pieces of stone became firm evidence of her historical presence.

The author of the design, Nikola Vudrag, has depicted, alongside the portrait of Queen Jelena, the motif of the Velebit degenia – a plant that grows from stone and withstands the harsh conditions of the Velebit mountains. This symbol of natural endurance powerfully reflects the strength of a historical legacy that has lasted for more than a thousand years.

1 ounce silver coin "Queen Jelena the Glorious"

The gold coins are available in three denominations, each in a limited mintage. The one ounce gold coin, with a face value of 100 euro, is issued in just 100 pieces, while the 1/4 ounce gold coin, with a face value of 25 euro, is available in 300 pieces. The smallest coin, the 1/16 ounce gold coin with a face value of 10 euro, is issued in 1,500 pieces.

The silver coins are available in two denominations – 6 euro and 4 euro. The two ounce silver coin, with a face value of 6 euro, is issued in 500 pieces. The one ounce silver coin, with a face value of 4 euro, is available in a limited mintage of 2,000 pieces.

The one ounce gold coin is minted in the highest Proof quality, while the remaining coins in Brilliant Uncirculated quality. The two ounce silver coin is distinguished by additional partial gold plating and partial ruthenium coating.

The collector issue is fully rounded off by thematically designed packaging created by Izvorka Jurić of Dig Studio. Special attention has been devoted to every detail of the packaging – the most valuable pieces are presented in luxury cases, while the remaining coins are housed in elegantly designed boxes accompanied by a matching sleeve.

The “Queen Jelena the Glorious” issue is available for purchase through the web shop, except for the two-ounce silver coin, which will be available for purchase in June.

1 ounce gold coin “Queen Jelena the Glorious”