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The Yugoslavia 100 Dinara 1982 Proof silver coin (KM#90) commemorating ice hockey is a striking example of sports-themed commemorative coinage issued by the former Socialist Federal Republic of Yugoslavia. Struck in high-quality proof finish and composed of sterling silver, this coin was part of a broader series celebrating the 14th Winter Olympic Games, held in Sarajevo in 1984. Though dated 1982, the coin was issued in anticipation of the event and served as both a promotional and commemorative item. Its proof quality, artistic design, and historical relevance make it a sought-after piece among collectors of Olympic memorabilia, Yugoslavian coins, and international silver issues.
The obverse design of the coin features the official coat of arms of the Socialist Federal Republic of Yugoslavia. This emblem includes six torches bound together, each representing one of the six constituent republics of Yugoslavia, with flames merging into a single blaze—symbolizing unity and brotherhood. The torches are encircled by wheat sheaves tied with a red ribbon bearing the date “29-XI-1943,” referencing the founding date of the republic at the Anti-Fascist Council of National Liberation of Yugoslavia (AVNOJ). Around the emblem are the inscriptions “СФР ЈУГОСЛАВИЈА” and “SFR JUGOSLAVIJA,” displayed in Cyrillic and Latin scripts, a standard bilingual feature on Yugoslavian currency. In proof condition, the mirrored fields and frosted devices highlight the fine detail of the emblem and enhance the coin’s overall visual appeal.
The reverse side of the coin is dedicated to the theme of ice hockey, one of the central sports of the Winter Olympics. It features an image of two hockey players in action, rendered in dynamic motion as they engage in a play for the puck. The figures are depicted in full gear, complete with skates, sticks, and protective uniforms, reflecting the sport’s speed and physicality. The detail includes sharp lines and realistic body posture that give the scene a lifelike quality. Below the players is the inscription “XIV ZIMSKE OLIMPIJSKE IGRE – SARAJEVO 1984,” meaning “14th Winter Olympic Games – Sarajevo 1984.” The denomination “100 DINARA” appears below, with the year “1982” flanked on either side of the design. The proof finish allows for brilliant contrast between the matte devices and mirrored background, making the athletic depiction pop dramatically against the coin’s polished silver surface.
This commemorative coin was struck in sterling silver, with a purity of 92.5% (0.925 fine silver) and a total weight of 19.65 grams. The diameter measures 34 millimeters, a size that provides ample space for detailed engraving while remaining compact and manageable for display. These specifications align with many international silver commemoratives of the era and were designed to appeal to both domestic audiences and global collectors in anticipation of the Sarajevo 1984 Olympic Games, the first Winter Olympics held in a socialist country and in the Balkans.
The coin was issued by the National Bank of Yugoslavia in collaboration with the Olympic Committee and struck at the official mint, likely the Mint of Belgrade. It was released in limited mintage, though exact figures are not always publicly confirmed. Like other coins in the Sarajevo Olympic series, the 1982 100 Dinara Proof Ice Hockey coin was distributed in presentation packaging—typically a blue or burgundy clamshell case—with a certificate of authenticity. These coins were marketed to collectors and Olympic enthusiasts as part of the official commemorative program supporting the upcoming Games and promoting Yugoslavia on the international stage.
In Proof (PF) condition, this coin displays all the hallmarks of high-quality minting: deep mirrored fields, sharply struck details, and carefully frosted designs. The frosted devices, especially on the athletes and the national emblem, contrast beautifully with the reflective background, showcasing the intricacies of the engravings. Collectors value specimens with no signs of handling, clouding, or spotting, and well-preserved coins often grade as PF68 or PF69 if submitted to third-party grading services such as NGC or PCGS. The coin's visual appeal is a major factor in its desirability, and examples that retain their original presentation packaging often command a premium.
Thematically, this coin represents more than just a commemorative of a sporting event—it is a symbol of national pride and Yugoslavia’s effort to present itself as a capable, modern, and united federation. The Sarajevo 1984 Games were viewed as an opportunity to foster international goodwill, and this series of coins was part of the broader cultural and economic promotion surrounding the event. The choice of ice hockey as a subject reflects both the sport’s popularity and its importance in the Winter Games. The 100 Dinara Ice Hockey coin is one of several in a multi-denomination set, each highlighting different winter sports including skiing, figure skating, and bobsleigh, all tied to the same commemorative theme.
Collectors of Olympic-themed coins often pursue the full set of Yugoslavia’s 1984 Sarajevo issues, and the 100 Dinara Ice Hockey coin is a centerpiece of that series. It is particularly desirable due to the dynamic composition and the iconic status of ice hockey within the Olympic movement. Furthermore, as Yugoslavia no longer exists as a nation, its coinage is increasingly valued for its historical significance, especially pieces tied to major world events. This coin represents not only numismatic craftsmanship but also a vanished political and cultural landscape, adding layers of depth for collectors and historians alike.
The Yugoslavia 1982 100 Dinara Ice Hockey Proof silver coin (KM#90) stands out for its artistic quality, thematic significance, and role within the larger Sarajevo Olympic series. As a limited-issue, government-backed commemorative struck in fine silver and finished to proof standards, it holds lasting value for collectors interested in sports, Olympic history, or 20th-century European coinage. Its enduring appeal lies in its ability to capture both the spirit of athletic competition and the complex, now-lost identity of Yugoslavia itself.