Croatian innovator Ivan Vučetić, the man whose fingerprint system changed forensics, gets his own coins

(Photo: Branimir Kralj/Croatian Mint)

ZAGREB, 18 September 2026 (Croatia Week) – A new series of gold and silver numismatic coins honouring Ivan Vučetić, the Croatian-born inventor whose pioneering work with fingerprints transformed criminal identification and became part of the foundations of modern forensic practice, were unveiled today.

The Croatian National Bank (HNB) presented the coins at Moneterra – the Museum of Money of the Croatian National Bank in Zagreb as part of its “Croatian Innovators” numismatic series.

Vučetić, a criminologist and inventor who was born on the island of Hvar before moving to Argentina in his 20s, developed and patented a system for classifying fingerprints, establishing a method for identifying individuals through the unique patterns formed by the papillary lines on their fingers.

His work became an important part of Croatian and global scientific and forensic heritage, with fingerprint identification continuing to be used around the world.

Speaking at the presentation, Tihomir Mavriček, Executive Director of HNB’s Cash Department, said Vučetić’s discovery had changed criminology, forensic science and approaches to establishing personal identity.

He noted that the significance of Vučetić’s work extended beyond the technical innovation itself, as it helped establish a system in which physical evidence could be used to determine identity.

Representatives of the “Ivan Vučetić” Centre for Forensic Examinations, Research and Expertise and the Croatian Mint also took part in the presentation.

Tina Smoljanović, Head of the Fingerprint and Identification Service at the centre, said Vučetić’s legacy continues through its work and that the new issue provides an opportunity to highlight his contribution to Croatian and international forensic science.

Ivan Odrljin of the Croatian Mint said Vučetić’s system had left a lasting mark on science and criminology and continued to be applied internationally.

The new issue comprises two gold coins, with denominations of €100 and €20, and a €4 silver coin.

The €100 gold coin will have a maximum mintage of 50 pieces, while no more than 150 €20 gold coins will be issued. The €4 silver coin will have a maximum mintage of 1,000 pieces.

(Croatian Mint)

The Croatian Mint will begin selling the coins through its online shop on 24 September at 9am.

The expected initial retail price is around €4,561.11 for the €100 gold coin, €598.74 for the €20 gold coin and €106.71, including VAT, for the €4 silver coin.

The final purchase price will depend on movements in gold and silver prices on the open market.

The coins form part of Croatia’s broader “Croatian Innovators” series, which highlights individuals whose inventions and scientific achievements have contributed to Croatian and international heritage.