The world’s smallest gold coin
Imagine coins the size of grains of sand. Using such coins would undoubtedly be inconvenient. They would surely slip through your fingers like sand!
However, to the surprise of many people, such a coin has recently appeared in Croatia.
It is less than 2 millimeters in diameter, its weight — 0.05 grams. The Golden Kuna (Zlatna Kuna) is listed in the Guinness World Records (formerly known as the Guinness Book of Records) as the smallest coin in the world.
Prior to this, the status of “the smallest coin in the world” belonged to a gold coin minted in Switzerland in 2020 in honor of Albert Einstein. Its diameter, for comparison, is almost three millimeters , and its weight — 0.063 grams.
The entire city on the world’s smallest gold coin
Hum (the Croatian city) is depicted on the obverse of the Golden Kuna. What do this city and the world’s smallest coin have in common? The fact is that Hum is also listed in the Guinness World Records as the world’s smallest city! It is so small that its image fits entirely on the tiny surface of the coin.
The reverse side of the coin depicts the head of a Boškarin bull. This unique animal is a symbol of the region, as it can be found exclusively on the Istrian peninsula, on which Croatia is actually located. Its image, by the way, can also be seen on the city gates of Hum.
How the idea was turned into reality
The path from the inception of an idea to its embodiment in gold was long and multi-phased. First, sculptor Ana Divković created a design that was detailed enough to be recognizable, but simple enough to be reproduced on a tiny coin.
The coin was minted using an automated press, and the engraving was applied with an ultra-modern laser. After minting, the print was meticulously inspected with a microscope.
The coin minting process was observed by Guinness World Records adjudicator Victor Fenes.
Commemorative numismatic set
The smallest gold coin is included in the numismatic set along with another gold coin that weighs one ounce. On its reverse side, the Boškarin bull is depicted in full length against the silhouette of the city of Hum. The obverse depicts another symbol of Croatia — the astronomical observatory founded in 1992 near the village of Višnjan. The coin set has been released as a limited edition.
On January 1, 2023, Croatia adopted the euro, discontinuing the issuance of currency in kunas. In memory of their national currency, Croatians decided to set a new world record by creating the smallest coin in the world.
Gold in exclusive packaging
Designers created an impressive packaging for the coin set, continuing the theme of the astronomical observatory. It is inlaid with small LED lights that make the box look like the night sky and the gold coins look like shining celestial bodies. The set also includes a pair of gloves and a magnifying glass for detailed examination of images on the coins. The creators claim that with the help of a magnifying glass you can even see the telescope in the window of the Višnjan Observatory. Naturally, the shine of the precious metal adds a special charm to the entire item.
You have just learned the amazing story behind the creation of the world’s smallest gold coin. But what does the world’s largest coin made of this precious metal look like? Find out by reading our article: How does a ton of gold look like?
