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The Yugoslavia 250 Dinara 1984 Proof silver coin (KM#108), issued to commemorate the XIV Winter Olympic Games in Sarajevo, stands apart from other issues in the series by honoring the legacy of Josip Broz Tito, the late president and founding figure of socialist Yugoslavia. Struck in .925 fine silver and finished to proof standards, this coin symbolizes both the international aspirations of the 1984 Winter Olympics and the national reverence for the man who led the country from wartime resistance to decades of unified federal governance. As the only coin in the series to feature a political figure rather than a geographic, cultural, or athletic theme, it occupies a unique place in Yugoslav numismatics and Olympic commemorative history.
The obverse of the coin prominently displays two separate shields side by side. The left shield bears the official emblem of the 1984 Sarajevo Olympic Games, a stylized snowflake design representing winter and sport. The right shield contains the national emblem of the Socialist Federal Republic of Yugoslavia—six torches joined into a single flame, symbolizing unity among the six republics of the federation. Above these emblems is the dual inscription “СФР ЈУГОСЛАВИЈА – SFR JUGOSLAVIJA” in Cyrillic and Latin scripts, reflecting the country’s bilingual policy and multicultural character. The date “29·XI·1943” is inscribed between the shields, referencing the Second Session of the AVNOJ (Anti-Fascist Council for the National Liberation of Yugoslavia), which laid the foundation for post-war Yugoslavia. The denomination “250 D” is engraved at the bottom of the obverse. In proof condition, the mirrored fields and frosted devices create striking contrast, enhancing the dual-symbol composition.
The reverse of the coin features a finely engraved left-facing portrait of Josip Broz Tito. The detail in his facial features—high cheekbones, broad forehead, and formal expression—captures the solemnity and reverence associated with his legacy. Around the perimeter is the inscription “XIV ZIMSKE OLIMPIJSKE IGRE SARAJEVO ’84,” translating to “14th Winter Olympic Games Sarajevo '84.” The portrait and inscription are designed to reflect Tito’s continued symbolic presence in national life, despite his death four years prior in 1980. The rendering of his likeness is precise and dignified, ideal for a proof strike and appropriate to the tone of the tribute.
This coin was struck in sterling silver, composed of 92.5% silver and 7.5% copper, and weighs 17 grams with a diameter of 34 millimeters. Its dimensions are smaller than other coins in the 250 Dinara Olympic silver series, most of which measure 40 mm and weigh 30 grams. The reduction in size for this issue may have been intentional to distinguish the portrait coin from those featuring scenery or artifacts. The coin features a milled edge and a medal alignment (↑↑), and was minted using proof dies to produce deeply reflective fields with sharply frosted devices.
The coin was produced in two minting locations. Zlatara Majdanpek (ZM) struck 31,011 examples, while an additional 5,743 were minted by Zavod za izradu novčanica (ZIN), for a combined mintage of 36,754 coins. This relatively low mintage enhances the coin's collectibility, particularly for those seeking complete sets of Yugoslavia’s Olympic commemorative series. Each coin was distributed in a protective capsule and housed in an elegant presentation case, often accompanied by a certificate of authenticity from the Yugoslav Mint or Olympic Committee.
In Proof (PF) condition, coins display strong cameo contrast, with Tito’s portrait and the dual shield emblem rendered in clean, frosted detail. Examples that have been preserved in their original capsules and boxes often remain pristine, showing no signs of hazing, toning, or contact marks. Coins graded by NGC or PCGS frequently achieve PF69 or PF70 designations, which further increase their appeal in the certified market. The coin’s artistic and political subject matter, paired with its technical quality, appeals to collectors of Olympic coinage, Yugoslav history, and 20th-century political memorabilia alike.
Tito’s inclusion in the 1984 Olympic coin series was a significant national statement. His image linked the Games not only to sport but to the ideology and leadership that had shaped Yugoslavia since World War II. Although Tito had passed away before the Games were held, his presence on the coin symbolized a guiding force behind the federation’s unity and progress. By coupling his portrait with the Olympic and national emblems, the coin effectively fused past and present—memorializing Yugoslavia’s founding while promoting its modern achievements as an Olympic host.
While most Olympic commemorative coins emphasize athletic disciplines, event venues, or national landmarks, this issue is singular in placing a political leader at the forefront of the Olympic celebration. It exemplifies the way the Yugoslav state used the Olympics as a platform not just for international visibility but also for internal cohesion and ideological affirmation. Tito’s face on this coin thus communicates both reverence and continuity—connecting the spirit of resistance and unification from 1943 to the optimism and global stage of 1984.
Among collectors and historians, the Yugoslavia 250 Dinara 1984 Tito coin stands out for its deep symbolic content. It is one of the few modern Olympic coins worldwide to feature a national leader, and certainly the only one from the Sarajevo 1984 series to do so. For those assembling a complete 1984 Olympic proof set, it is an essential piece—representing not only a unique design but also the ideological centerpiece of the entire program. It also has crossover appeal for collectors focused on Tito memorabilia, Cold War-era coinage, or portraiture in modern numismatics.
The 1984 Yugoslavia 250 Dinara KM#108 Proof silver coin featuring Josip Broz Tito is a richly layered and well-executed numismatic artifact. Combining political tribute with Olympic celebration, it offers a distinctive narrative within the broader scope of 20th-century commemorative coinage. Its detailed design, sterling silver content, limited mintage, and lasting symbolism ensure it remains a prized item for those who seek coins that capture a nation’s image—both of its leader and its moment on the world stage.