Legendary Croatian author honoured with special coins on 150th birthday

(Photo: Branimir Kralj/Croatian Mint)

Today, on April 18th, the 150th anniversary of the birth of Ivana Brlić-Mažuranić, the first Croatian children’s novelist, is marked. 

To honor this occasion, Croatian Mint presents the first edition of the “Croatian Literature” series – a gold and silver coin commemorating “Ivana Brlić-Mažuranić’s 150th Birth Anniversary.” 

It stands as another testament to the rich literary heritage of children’s literature in this region, both within and beyond our borders.

Gifted in multiple ways, particularly in foreign languages, Ivana began writing poetry, essays, and journals at a very young age. 

She captured literary attention in 1913 with her novel “Čudnovate zgode šegrta Hlapića” (The Marvelous Adventures and Misadventures of Hlapić the Apprentice), and her most famous work, the collection of folk tales “Priče iz davnine” (Tales of Long Ago), was published in 1916.

Her fairy tales, inspired by Slavic mythology and characters like Kosjenka, Regoč, Mali Tintilinić, and many others, convey moral messages and life truths. 

Their universality has been recognized worldwide, with English journals dubbing Ivana Brlić-Mažuranić the Croatian Andersen, while her stories are described as an expression of ethical genius that captivates both older and younger readers.

In line with marking this significant anniversary, Croatian Mint has minted a limited series of 150 pieces of one-ounce gold coins (31.103 grams) and 1,500 pieces of one-ounce silver coins (31.103 grams).

(Croatian Mint)

(Croatian Mint)

Celebrating 150 years of the first Croatian children’s novelist

Each buyer will receive their numismatic coin in a navy blue box with a commemorative sleeve highlighting the features of the coin itself.

(Croatian Mint)

You can order here from 22 April.