Principality of Serbia (1868-1881) Coin List
The Principality of Serbia was a semi-autonomous state that existed between 1868 and 1881, under the nominal rule of the Ottoman Empire. During this period, Serbia underwent significant political, economic and cultural changes, including the development of its own monetary system.
Historical and political context
After centuries of Ottoman rule, Serbia achieved limited autonomy in 1830. Prince Mihailo Obrenović III ascended to the throne in 1860, implementing modernizing reforms and strengthening the military. In 1867, the Ottomans withdrew their garrisons from Serbia, marking the beginning of de facto independence. Mihailo's assassination in 1868 brought to power Milan Obrenović IV, who continued the policies of modernization and westernization. During this period, Serbia sought to balance its relations with European powers, especially Austria-Hungary and Russia, while preparing for eventual full independence.
Monetary system and numismatics
The Principality of Serbia established its own monetary system in 1868, introducing the Serbian dinar as the official monetary unit. Initially, the dinar was divided into 100 paras and was pegged to the French franc in parity. The first coins minted were copper (1, 5 and 10 paras) and silver (50 paras, 1 and 2 dinars). In 1879, gold coins of 20 dinars were introduced. These pieces featured the portrait of Prince Milan on the obverse and the Serbian coat of arms on the reverse. The Vienna Mint was responsible for the minting of these coins, reflecting the Austro-Hungarian influence in the region. The design and quality of these coins symbolized Serbia's growing autonomy and aspirations, laying the foundation for the monetary system of the future Kingdom of Serbia after independence in 1882.
The most valuable and popular coins
The most valuable Principality of Serbia (1868-1881) coins and sought after by collectors according to Foronum statistics are the following:
The valuation of these coins list has been achieved through a meticulous algorithm that considers the current market, taking into account aspects such as material, weight, diameter, edge, year of mintage, mint of manufacture and the number of coins produced. Coins with limited mintages and in good condition are usually among the most valuable.
Old coins of Serbia
To facilitate their classification, we have decided to organise the coins according to their historical period, you can consult the coins by historical numismatic categories of Serbia.
Principality of Serbia 1868-1881 Kingdom of Serbia 1882-1917 German occupation 1941-1945 Republic of Serbia 2003-?Coin Catalog
Serbia | 10 for (Mihailo Obrenović III)
Serbia | 10 for (Mihailo Obrenović III)
Serbia | 5 para (Milan I)
Serbia | 50 para (Milan Obrenović IV)
Other resources to find coins and banknotes of Serbia
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