Coin dedicated to the „Miracle of Štitari“ to feature the Crnojević coat of arms on the reverse

The Central Bank of Montenegro told Pobjeda that production of the commemorative coin, featuring the „Miracle of Štitari“ - the endemic plant Petrolamium crnojevicii, which grows nowhere else in the world - is currently underway. The coin will be issued in three versions: a gold coin, a silver coin, and a coin struck in Nordic gold. The retail price at which citizens will be able to purchase the coins has not yet been determined.

To commemorate the 35th anniversary of the Declaration on Montenegro as an Ecological State, the Central Bank will officially issue the commemorative coin in September. It honours Petrolamium crnojevicii, a species discovered in 2019 by scientists Dr Snežana Dragićević (Montenegrin Academy of Sciences and Arts), Dr Snežana Vuksanović (Natural History Museum of Montenegro) and Dr Boštjan Surina (Natural History Museum Rijeka, Croatia).

Vučković’s design best

The Central Bank explained that the design was chosen through a public competition, with the expert panel selecting the proposal submitted by academic painter and sculptor Darko Vučković. However, the Bank did not provide Pobjeda with the selected design, noting that the coin is still in the production phase.

Vučković said it was a great honour that his design had been selected in the Central Bank’s competition, particularly because the commemorative issue introduces a technical innovation: it will be the first coin produced in Montenegro to feature a coloured side, saying it has been a pleasure to create it.

- The theme and motif were especially close to me, which was the main reason I decided to prepare a proposal in line with the competition guidelines. My fascination with nature and the living world dates back to childhood, and many believed I would one day become a biologist. In the end, however, I found my calling in art, while also developing a passion for graphic design. Petrolamium crnojevicii is not merely an exceptionally rare endemic species of Montenegro. Its name also carries strong historical symbolism because it honours Ivan Crnojević, and it was discovered in an area connected with his legacy and the remains of Soko Grad. That unique link between nature and history made this motif even more significant to me - Vučković said.

Vučković explained that the reverse side of the coin features the Crnojević coat of arms, based on the version found in the Oktoih, the first printed book in Montenegro.

- I devoted a great deal of time and attention to finding a sufficiently clear image of the page containing the coat of arms so that I could accurately redraw it and reproduce it as faithfully as possible in digital form. The material that was available simply did not meet the required standards - he said.

A challenge 

Vučković noted that the greatest challenge was translating such a rich story into a small metal relief.

- Designing a coin requires far more than creating an attractive illustration. Every detail must serve a purpose so that, once the coin is struck, the motif remains clear, balanced and instantly recognisable. I am eagerly looking forward to seeing the finished coin and have no doubt about the technical quality of the mint’s craftsmanship - Vučković concluded.

The Central Bank specified that the commemorative issue will consist of gold and silver collector coins, as well as a coin struck in Nordic gold, all bearing a face value of 35 perpers, symbolically marking the 35th anniversary of Montenegro’s Ecological State Declaration.

- The Central Bank of Montenegro wishes, through this commemorative issue, to draw attention to the country’s exceptional natural wealth and biodiversity, while reaffirming its long-term commitment to development based on the principles of sustainability, responsibility and environmental protection. The endemic plant Petrolamium crnojevicii, which grows exclusively in Montenegro, is a symbol of the country's unique natural heritage, while the Declaration on Montenegro as an Ecological State serves as an enduring reminder of the responsibility to preserve natural resources and pursue development founded on the principles of sustainability - the Communications Directorate stated.

Green Award

The Central Bank also announced that, to mark Montenegro’s Ecological State Day in September, it will present the Green Award for the best research paper addressing the impact of climate change on the financial system.

Established in 2023 to encourage scientific research and raise public awareness of the importance of green finance and the effects of climate change on financial stability, the award consists of a commemorative plaque and a cash prize of €3,000. Montenegrin citizens holding a higher education qualification of at least Level VI (180 ECTS credits), obtained at a university, faculty or higher education institution in Montenegro or abroad, are eligible to apply. The deadline for submitting papers is 14 August 2026.

Submitted papers must demonstrate innovation and provide both theoretical and empirical contributions that promote best practices for central banks, financial regulators and supervisors, international organisations, credit institutions and other financial sector participants in responding to climate-related challenges and their impact on financial stability.

According to the Central Bank, through the Green Award and other activities envisaged under the Roadmap for the Financial Sector Towards Sustainable Finance, adopted by the Financial Stability Council in 2025, the institution continues to raise public awareness of climate-related risks while encouraging banks and other financial institutions to strengthen efforts to identify and mitigate these risks in their operations.

- By issuing commemorative coins, presenting the Green Award and supporting the concept of green finance, the Central Bank of Montenegro reaffirms its social responsibility and commitment to issues of long-term importance for the country's citizens, economy and sustainable future - the Bank stated.

The Central Bank also recalled that, in addition to the forthcoming commemorative coin marking the 35th anniversary of Montenegro’s Ecological State Declaration, it has already issued two other commemorative coin series during 2026 - one celebrating the 25th anniversary of the Central Bank of Montenegro, and another marking the 20th anniversary of Montenegro’s independence.

Meanwhile, a protection study is currently being prepared for the habitat of Petrolamium crnojevicii, the endemic plant whose discovery was publicly announced in March last year. The study, which is expected to be completed by December this year, will serve as the basis for future conservation measures. The Ministry of Ecology, Sustainable Development and Northern Development recently told Pobjeda that it is reasonable to expect the plant’s habitat to be included within a zone where access will be subject to strict controls in order to ensure its long-term protection.

Following the public announcement of the discovery in March last year, Dr Snežana Dragićević, senior adviser at the ENEKO Centre of the Montenegrin Academy of Sciences and Arts and one of the scientists who discovered the species, said that the authorities had so far acted responsibly and thoughtfully in protecting this exceptionally rare plant. Dr Dragićević also welcomed the decision to feature Petrolamium crnojevicii on a commemorative postage stamp, expressing gratitude to Montenegro Post for recognising the importance of the species. She also welcomed the Central Bank of Montenegro’s decision to feature the plant on a commemorative coin, saying the institution had recognised the scientific and national significance of this exceptional endemic species.