In the tumultuous history of Yugoslavia, one name stands out as the unifying force that held the diverse ethnic groups together – Josip Broz Tito. He was born on May 7, 1892 to a humble working class family. Before his ascension into politics, he worked as locksmith apprentice and was even drafted to fight during WW1. After his release he became active in the Communist Party of Yugoslavia and this kickstarted a career and life in politics. He officially came to power after his involvement in fighting against the Axis powers in WW2.
Tito’s leadership extended beyond internal affairs as he played a pivotal role on the international stage. He spearheaded the Non-Aligned Movement, a group of nations that sought to remain neutral during the Cold War. By navigating between the influences of the United States and the Soviet Union, Tito became a symbol of independence and a voice for developing nations. Through his diplomatic maneuvering, Tito enhanced Yugoslavia’s global standing and helped shape a new narrative in international relations.
Under Tito’s guidance, Yugoslavia positioned itself as a prosperous socialist state. The country experienced steady economic growth and maintained a relatively high standard of living compared to its Eastern Bloc counterparts. One of Tito’s most significant contributions was keeping the diverse ethnic groups of Yugoslavia united. Under his rule, he adopted a policy of “Brotherhood and Unity,” which aimed to foster a sense of shared Yugoslav identity.
As the leader of the Socialist Federal Republic of Yugoslavia from 1944 until his death in 1980, Tito left a lasting legacy that impacted not only his own country but also international relations and the global Non-Aligned Movement. While the country faced challenges and ultimately disintegrated due to ethno-nationalist tensions in the 1990s, Tito’s vision of unity still resonate among those who remember his era.
The most know example of banknote featuring him is the Yugoslavia 5,000 Dinara, 1985. The banknote is colored in shades of purple, blue and white. Featured on its obverse is Josip Broz Tito. The reverse of the paper bill depicts the walled city of Jajce. The banknote bears a watermark that reflects Josip Broz Tito. The banknote is presented in a folder and with a Certificate of Authenticity.
It’s unusual to see countries putting portraits of foreign heads of state on their banknotes. However, the African country of Guinea showed their respect and solidarity by placing a portrait of Tito on one of their older banknotes. Guinea 500 Sylis, 1980. The banknote is written in French and colored in shades of brown, blue and white. On the obverse side is a portrait of Josip Broz Tito. While the reverse side features a portrait of the Palace of the People in Conakry, Guinea.
His portrait has also been featured on various coins throughout the years. On example is the Yugoslavia 5,000 Dinara Silver Coin, 1985. This is a silver proof coin released by the National Bank of Yugoslavia in 1985 to commemorate the 40th year of the Liberation of Yugoslavia and Victory over Fascism. Featured on its front design are the coat of arms of Yugoslavia, the name of the nation, and the denomination. The back of the coin depicts the House of Flowers in Belgrade and the profile of President Josip Broz Tito. The coin weighs 23 grams and has a diameter of 38 mm.
Another coin featuring Tito is the Yugoslavia 1,000 Dinara Silver Coin, 1980. This 26g silver coin was issued by the National Bank of Yugoslavia in 1980 to commemorate the death anniversary of president Josip Broz Tito. Its obverse features the coat of arms on the map of Yugoslavia. On its reverse is the profile of Josip Broz Tito. The coin also has a diameter of 38 mm.
Sources:
thumbnail: https://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/d/da/President_Tito_van_Joegoslavi%C3%AB%2C_Bestanddeelnr_923-9241.jpg
https://www.britannica.com/biography/Josip-Broz-Tito/Partisan-leader
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Josip_Broz_Tito
https://ehistory.osu.edu/biographies/josip-broz-tito
.jpg){kind=link}
Why buy banknotes?
People buy them for historic purposes or as a novelty to remember a different era.