New Issue Dedicated to the Neretva Boat – a Symbol of Tradition and Identity

30.06.2026.

The Croatian Mint, in collaboration with Croatian National Bank, continues the “Croatian Ships” series with a new collector issue featuring the Neretva boat.

The Neretva boat is a traditional vessel of the Neretva Valley and one of the symbols of life in this region. As a simple wooden vessel with a shallow draught, the boat was for centuries adapted to navigating the marshland, backwaters and canals of the Neretva. Alongside the “trupa”, it served as an important cargo and transport vessel, playing a significant role in the everyday life of the people of the Neretva region.

The earliest known records of traditional vessels in the Neretva Valley date back to the 17th century. They were recorded in chronicles and travel writings by authors on whom this southernmost Croatian valley left a strong impression. The boat was used to transport people, animals, agricultural produce, food, construction materials and other cargo needed for life along the river.

With the development of road infrastructure and motor vehicles, the boat gradually lost its original transport role. Nevertheless, the tradition of life with the boat has been preserved thanks to the local community and the strong connection of the people of the Neretva Valley with their own heritage. The “Ladja Marathon” holds a special place in preserving this tradition. As both a sporting and tourist event, it contributes to the visibility of the Neretva region and the preservation of its cultural identity.

The importance of the Neretva boat is also confirmed by the fact that the Ministry of Culture established that the boat has become an intangible cultural asset of the Republic of Croatia. This further highlights its value in preserving Croatian traditional heritage.

The “Neretva boat” collector issue is released in five versions, with different minting qualities. The issue comprises a one-ounce gold coin, a ¼-ounce gold coin and a 1/16-ounce gold coin, as well as one-ounce and two-ounce silver coins. The one-ounce gold coin is minted in the highest – Proof quality, while the remaining issues are minted in Brilliant Uncirculated quality.