Croatia is paying tribute to basketball star Dražen Petrovic with five new Proof coins. This includes three silver coins and two gold coins. These coins celebrate his life and achievements as a basketball player. They were released on September 5, 2024, to mark the 60th anniversary of Petrovic’s birth.
| Coin Type | Denomination | Weight | Diameter | Mintage Limit | Expected Price |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Silver Coin | €4 | 31.103 grams | 38.61 mm | 4,000 pieces | €80 |
| Silver Coin | €6 | 2.207 grams | 45 mm | 2,000 pieces | €160 |
| Silver Coin | €8 | 155.518 grams | 60 mm | 1,000 pieces | €400 |
| Gold Coin | €100 | 31.103 grams | 32.2 mm | 500 pieces | €2,950 (around $3,270) |
| Gold Coin | €200 | 100 grams | 45 mm | 60 pieces | €9,950 (around $11,030) |
Who Was Dražen Petrovic?
Dražen Petrovic was born on October 22, 1964, and he is known as one of the best basketball players from Croatia, Europe, and the world. He first gained fame in the 1980s while playing for Cibona and Real Madrid in Europe. In 1989, he joined the NBA and continued to shine in his sport. Tragically, his life was cut short in a car accident on June 7, 1993, when he was just 28 years old.
Coin Designs and Features
All five coins share a similar design created by sculptor Nikola Vudrag. The front side, or obverse, shows Dražen in action, shooting a basketball, while the back side, or reverse, features a basketball going through a hoop. The coins differ in their denomination texts.
Specifications and Mintages
The coins come in different weights and prices:
Silver Coins
- €4 Coin
- Weight: 31.103 grams
- Diameter: 38.61 mm
- Mintage Limit: 4,000 pieces
- Expected Price: €80
- €6 Coin
- Weight: 2.207 grams
- Diameter: 45 mm
- Mintage Limit: 2,000 pieces
- Expected Price: €160
- €8 Coin
- Weight: 155.518 grams
- Diameter: 60 mm
- Mintage Limit: 1,000 pieces
- Expected Price: €400
Gold Coins
- €100 Coin
- Weight: 31.103 grams
- Diameter: 32.2 mm
- Mintage Limit: 500 pieces
- Expected Price: around €2,950 (about $3,270)
- €200 Coin
- Weight: 100 grams
- Diameter: 45 mm
- Mintage Limit: 60 pieces
- Expected Price: around €9,950 (about $11,030)
To order or learn more about these coins, you can visit
Conclusion
The release of these new coins is a wonderful way to honor Dražen Petrovic’s legacy in the world of basketball. As a player who inspired many and made a significant impact on the sport, these coins will not only serve as collectibles but also as a reminder of his achievements and the joy he brought to basketball fans around the globe. With a limited number of pieces available, collectors will surely appreciate these unique tributes.
FAQs
1. Who is Dražen Petrovic, and why is Croatia honoring him with coins?
Dražen Petrovic was a Croatian basketball player who is widely considered one of the greatest European and world basketball players of all time. He played in both Europe and the NBA, leaving a lasting legacy on the sport. Croatia is honoring his life and achievements with five commemorative Proof coins to mark the 60th anniversary of his birth.
2. How many coins are being released to honor Dražen Petrovic?
A total of five Proof coins are being released: three silver coins and two gold coins. Each of these coins has different denominations, weights, and mintage limits, making them unique collectibles.
3. What designs are featured on the Dražen Petrovic coins?
The coins feature a design by sculptor Nikola Vudrag. The front (obverse) of the coins shows Dražen Petrovic in action, shooting a basketball. The back (reverse) displays a basketball going through a hoop.
4. What are the prices of the Dražen Petrovic commemorative coins?
The €100 gold coin is priced at around €2,950 (approximately $3,270).
The €200 gold coin will retail for around €9,950 (approximately $11,030).
5. Where can I buy the Dražen Petrovic coins?
The coins can be purchased from the Croatian Mint’s website. Pricing and availability are dependent on the current metals market.