Features of Kuna Banknotes

Last update 28 December 2009

5 kuna note-1st invalid issue 5 kuna note-2nd issue 10 kuna note-2nd invalid issue 10 kuna note-1st invalid issue 10 kuna note-3rd issue commemorative 10 kuna note
20 kuna note-1st invalid issue 20 kuna note-2nd issue 50 kuna note 50 kuna note-2nd issue  100 kuna note  
100 kuna note-2nd issue 200 kuna note 200 kuna note-2nd issue 500 kuna note 1000 kuna note  

 

The first versions of the kuna banknotes were issued in denominations of 5, 10, 20, 50, 100, 200, 500 and 1000, and bear the issue date of October 31, 1993.

In the period from 1995 to 2004 the following versions of kuna banknotes were issued:

  1. The second version of 10 kuna banknote, issue January 15, 1995 was put into circulation on June 30, 1995.
  2. The third version of 10 kuna banknote, issue March 7, 2001, was put into circulation on June 18, 2001
  3. Commerative version of 10 kuna banknote issued May 30, 2004, was put into circulation on May 24, 2004.
  4. The second version of 5 kuna banknote, issue March 7, 2001, was put into circulation on July 9, 2001
  5. The second version of 20 kuna banknote, issue March 7, 2001, was put into circulation on August 16, 2001.
  6. The second version of 100 kuna banknote, issue March 7, 2002, was put into circulation on June 3, 2001.
  7. The second version of 200 kuna banknote, issue March 7, 2002, was put into circulation on August 12, 2002.
  8. The second version of 50 kuna banknote, issue March 7, 2002, was put into circulation on August 25, 2002.
The banknotes are printed on multicolored paper made of 100% cotton fiber. It is highly resistant to damp, does not fluoresce, and is resistant to bacteria and fungi. Invisible fluorescent threads have been built into the paper of the banknotes; in ultra-violet light they shine blue, yellow and violet. Every denomination of kuna banknote has a characteristically positioned watermark built in, the colorless print of which is identical to the portrait given on the banknote. A metal security thread, which is incorporated into the paper, comes out in places onto the surface of the obverse of the banknote and can be seen in a certain number of small windows. The numerical value of the banknote is printed in negative on the metal security thread in an unbroken series, in such a way as to be turned alternately towards the portrait or towards the central part of the banknote; alongside the numerical value, the letters HK are printed, being the symbol of the country and the name of the unit of currency. In ultra-violet light, the metal security thread will fluoresce in those places where it is visible.

All kuna banknotes are printed on both sides with simultaneous lithography, and on the obverse with intaglio printing that has an iridescent effect.

Two colors on the obverse and reverse of all the denominations of the notes fluoresce under ultra-violet light. All kuna banknotes have in the central part of the obverse a square printed with the crest of the Republic of Croatia. Alongside its right edge is printed in intaglio micro printing in sixteen lines, the words of the national anthem of the Republic of Croatia, Lijepa nasa (Our beautiful country) by Antun Mihanovic.

A square in the negative is printed on every banknote. Inside this square a smaller square is printed in outline; along each side of it the nominal value of the banknote in digits and the name of the unit of currency is printed. Inside the smaller square triangular elements are printed that, when the banknote is looked at towards the light, are so complemented by corresponding elements on the reverse of the note as to form the letter H. In the place occupied by this square, the paper of the banknote is thinner, which makes it more transparent.

To the right of the portraits on the banknotes is printed a rectangle, placed along the multicolored edge of the banknote. In a special way, by changing the direction of the lines, within the rectangle the concealed legend KUNA is printed in intaglio printing. This can be seen only from a certain angle. For the concealed legend to be visible, it is necessary to hold the note flat and at eye level towards the light. If the note is moved slightly, the concealed legend will become visible.

The serial number is printed twice on the note, in the upper left-hand corner and in the lower right hand corner of the obverse of the note. The serial number is printed in black ink, and contains letters designating the series before and after the seven digits. The designation of the numbering fluoresces green under ultra-violet light.  

In the lower left hand corner of the white surface of the note a mark for the blind is printed in intaglio printing (except in the case of 5 kuna notes), within which a certain text is printed in microtext.

On the reverse of the note, in the upper right hand corner, two lines of text are printed: the date of the banknote and a facsimile signature of the Governor. 
 

Decision on Withdrawing From Circulation 10 Kuna Banknotes With Issue Date 31 October 1993   PDF  8 KB

Decision on Withdrawing From Circulation 5 and 20 Kuna Banknotes With Issue Date of 31 October 1993 and 10 Kuna Banknotes With Issue Date 15 January 1995   PDF  9 KB

Decision on withdrawing from circulation 50,100 and 200 kuna banknotes with issue date of 31 October 1993   PDF 30 KB