6 euro – Trsat Dragon

The Croatian National Bank, in cooperation with the Croatian Mint, has issued the 2 ounce silver coin “Trsat Dragon”. This silver collector coin, in the 6 euro denomination, has been minted in a limited series of 1,000 pieces. For the first time, at the Croatian Mint, the coin has been struck in ultra high relief. The uniqueness of this coin was enhanced by Germania Mint through antique finish and partial gilding, which further highlight the design details. Basilisks, commonly referred to as Trsat Dragons in Rijeka’s folk traditions, are mythical creatures with characteristics of a snake, dragon, and rooster. They are considered guardians of the Trsat fortress above Rijeka and were an integral part of the noble coat of arms of the Nugent family. Their creation was entrusted to the renowned Viennese sculptor Anton Dominik Fernkorn, whose works have left an indelible mark on Croatian sculpture in the 19th century. This unique coin has a deep historical and cultural background, inspired by the Trsat Dragons, or basilisks, bronze sculptures crafted in the first half of the 19th century at the request of Austrian Field Marshal Count Laval Nugent. The collector coin edition “Trsat Dragon” features the dragon statue on both sides. The artistic design of the issue “Trsat Dragon” is signed by the author Natalia Danysz.