This Croatian banknote represents the 11th denomination of the Croatian Dinar (1st of Series 1993). Despite their brief circulation (1991-1993) Croatian Dinar notes have a rich and complex history. Beginning with initial calls for democratization and independence from Yugoslavia. Due in part to a rapidly changing world, in Eastern Europe.
Croatia was among the first nations to secede from Yugoslavia. The first nation being Slovenia, after the Ten Day War ( 27 June-7 July 1991). Despite this, the notes of the Croatian Dinar were more orate, than those of the early Slovenian Tolar. Also unlike Slovenia, Croatia introduced it's currency during a prolonged war, spanning from 31 March 1991-12 November 1995.
Although similar to the early Tolar, the Croatian Dinar was considered a transitional currency. Serving as a stop-gap for more permeant currency. This is made more apparent by all initial 1991 notes sharing the same color coded design. On 30 May 1994, the Croatian Kuna replaced Dinar. The Dinar was exchanged at a rate of 1,000 Dinar:1 Kuna.
Observe
The observe features a portrait of physicist and astronomer Ruđer Josip Bošković (1711-1787). Bošković is the namesake of scientific institutes in both Zagreb (Croatia) and Belgrade (Serbia). His work includes developing an early form of atomic theory. In addition to devising geometric formulas, for determining and predicting planetary orbits.
On the observe we can see a number of features and embellishments. On the lower-right is the text, "PEDESET TISUĆE HRVATSKI DINARA 50000", translated as "Fifty Thousand Croatian Dinar 10000". Reinforcing the note's 50,000 Dinar value and Croatian origin. It rests on an ornate multicolor background, created from guilloché work.
Toward the upper right are formulas and diagrams, related to determining planetary orbit. Above this is the note's serial number, "C4697075". At the far-right is the Croatian Coat of Arms, overprinted on a decorative backing. This backing doesn't feature the ultraviolet elements, often seen on this type of design. Although its microprint appears to form the letters (IMZ) on close inspection.
Moving toward the left is the note's watermark area. Similar to many post-Soviet banknotes the watermark is a repeating pattern. it depicts the Baptistery of Prince Višeslav. To the far-left is a vertical header it reads, "REPUBLIKA HRVATSKA" or the "Republic of Croatia". Along the lower-left is the signature of Minister of Finance (Zoran Jašić).
Notably this signature will glow bright yellow, when placed under ultraviolet light. Doing so will also expose a hidden Croatian Coat of Arms, located on the watermark area. With additional UV sections on the colorful underprint.
Reverse
The reverse features the sculpture "Provijest Hrvata" (History of Croats), by Ivan Meštrović (1883-1962). Created in 1932, the sculpture depicts an elder sitting woman, dressed in a traditional folk costume. On her lap is a stone slab with an inscription in Glagolitic script, the oldest among the Slavic people. Thus embodying images both of the mother and the guardian of national heritage.
The background features complex, multicolor guilloché work. Portions of this decorative backing resembles arches and windows. Giving the impression of a cathedral's interior. At the lower-left is the text "PEDESET TISUĆE HRVATSKI DINARA", translated as "Fifty Thousand Croatian Dinar". Again reinforcing the note's 50,000 Dinar value and Croatian origin.
While at the far-right is a vertical header, it reads "REPUBLIKA HRVATSKA" or the "Republic of Croatia". Below this header is a subtext, it reads "ZAGREB, 30 SVIBNJA, 1993". This text is a print date, stating the note was printed in the city of "Zagreb", on the "30 May 1993". Despite this text, the note was in fact printed by Tumba Bruk of Sweden.
At the lower right is a Croatian Coat of Arms followed by the number "50000". Above is a thin strip, repeating "-50000-" in sequence. An additional number "50000" can be seen on the upper-left.
1993 Croatian Dinar
(Gallery features complete 1993 Croatian Dinar series)
Additional Notes
The note's dimensions are 130 x 67 mm or 5.12 x 2.64 in, wider than a US Dollar.
The Croatian Dinar ISO Code is HRD, it lacked a formal currency symbol.
The Croatian Dinar lacked coins and subdivisions, owning to its transitional nature.
The Kuna is named after Marten pelts, exchanged by medieval Slavic traders.
An older Kuna currency was introduced in WWII-era Croatia, then occupied by Germany.
The WW-II era Kuna circulated from 1941-1945, under the Ustaše government.
Modern Kuna are subdivided in 100 Lipa (lindens), as oppose to Banica (WWII).
Comments