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The Yugoslavia 250 Dinara 1982 Proof silver coin (KM#91), issued in anticipation of the 1984 Winter Olympic Games held in Sarajevo, is a beautifully struck commemorative piece that celebrates the host city’s role in this landmark event. Minted by the Socialist Federal Republic of Yugoslavia, this coin is part of a multi-denomination silver series designed to promote national pride and global visibility ahead of the XIV Winter Olympics—the first Winter Games held in a socialist country. Struck in sterling silver with a limited mintage and a high-quality proof finish, the 250 Dinara coin featuring the city view of Sarajevo is both a numismatic and cultural treasure.
The obverse of the coin features the national emblem of the Socialist Federal Republic of Yugoslavia. Central to the design is a stylized collection of six bound torches merging into a single flame, representing the unity of the six republics that made up the federation. These torches are surrounded by wheat sheaves tied with a ribbon bearing the date “29-XI-1943,” which marks the founding of the socialist state at the AVNOJ conference during World War II. Around the emblem are inscriptions in both Cyrillic and Latin script: “СФР ЈУГОСЛАВИЈА” and “SFR JUGOSLAVIJA.” In proof condition, the coin’s obverse displays outstanding contrast between the deeply mirrored fields and the frosted relief of the emblem, resulting in a refined and elegant presentation.
The reverse of the coin is a tribute to the city of Sarajevo, the host of the 1984 Winter Olympics. It features a panoramic view of Sarajevo nestled among the surrounding Dinaric Alps. The stylized cityscape includes notable architectural elements such as traditional buildings, bridges, and the iconic contours of the city’s mountainous surroundings. Above the city, the Olympic rings appear, symbolizing the coin’s commemorative purpose. The inscription “XIV ZIMSKE OLIMPIJSKE IGRE SARAJEVO 1984” (“14th Winter Olympic Games Sarajevo 1984”) curves along the upper perimeter of the reverse, while the denomination “250 DINARA” and the date “1982” appear along the lower margin. The artistry captures both the geographical beauty and urban identity of Sarajevo, making it one of the most attractive designs of the Yugoslav Olympic series.
This coin was struck in sterling silver (.925 fine), with a weight of 30 grams and a diameter of 40 millimeters. The generous size allows for detailed engraving and gives the coin a substantial presence in hand. Each proof strike was produced with precision, using polished dies and specially prepared planchets to achieve the deep mirror-like finish characteristic of proof coins. The frosted elements—particularly the mountains, city buildings, and Olympic rings—are finely textured to stand out against the reflective surfaces. This attention to contrast and relief makes the coin visually appealing and technically impressive.
The 250 Dinara proof coin was minted at the Mint of Belgrade, which was the official minting facility of Yugoslavia. It was distributed in official packaging, typically including a protective capsule, a blue or burgundy clamshell box, and a certificate of authenticity issued by the National Bank of Yugoslavia or the Organizing Committee. The total mintage of this proof issue was limited, with production believed to be around 25,000 pieces, though exact numbers may vary by source. This relatively small mintage enhances the coin’s appeal among collectors of Olympic-themed and European commemorative coinage.
In PF (Proof) condition, the coin retains all of its original luster, sharpness, and surface integrity. High-grade examples are virtually flawless, with no post-mint imperfections, milk spots, or hazing. The reflective background fields should be mirror-bright, while the frosted devices should display consistent texture and edge sharpness. Coins that have remained in their original government packaging are the most prized, especially when accompanied by a complete and undamaged presentation case and matching COA. Some examples submitted to grading services such as NGC or PCGS have achieved top-tier grades of PF69 or PF70, emphasizing the high minting standards employed for this commemorative issue.
The 1982 250 Dinara coin is part of a broader Yugoslav Olympic coin program that included denominations such as 100, 150, and 500 Dinara, each highlighting different winter sports or aspects of Sarajevo’s Olympic involvement. While the sporting-themed coins focused on specific events like ice hockey and skiing, the 250 Dinara stands out for its civic and geographical subject matter, giving collectors a broader context of the Games and their cultural backdrop. It complements the athletic-themed coins beautifully, offering a more architectural and environmental perspective on the Olympic setting.
Historically, the XIV Winter Olympics were a significant event for Yugoslavia. Held in February 1984, they marked the first time the Winter Games were hosted by a socialist nation and brought substantial international attention to Sarajevo. The Games were widely considered a success, both organizationally and culturally, and these commemorative coins served as tools for national pride and global promotion. In this context, the 250 Dinara coin captures the optimism, investment, and unity Yugoslavia hoped to convey on the world stage through the Olympic spirit.
Thematically, the coin appeals not only to numismatists but also to collectors of Olympic memorabilia, Balkan history, and urban architecture. The depiction of Sarajevo is both literal and symbolic—it shows a city rising with purpose, framed by mountains that would host skiers, lugers, and bobsledders. As a result, the coin bridges the realms of art, sport, and national identity, offering a multifaceted collectible that extends beyond the traditional boundaries of commemorative coinage.
The Yugoslavia 1982 250 Dinara PF silver coin (KM#91) remains a standout piece in modern European commemorative series. Its substantial size, fine silver composition, low mintage, and connection to a historic Olympic Games ensure continued interest among collectors. When encountered in pristine proof condition with original packaging, it represents both aesthetic beauty and enduring historical significance—a gleaming silver snapshot of a city and a nation poised to welcome the world.