Montenegro 1 Perper 1912 King Nikola I Petrović-Njegoš Silver coin
see Video: https://facebook.com/coincombinat.net/videos/719374147319552/
The Montenegro 1 Perper 1912 silver coin is a significant numismatic piece from the Kingdom of Montenegro, commemorating its brief but notable period of independence under King Nikola I Petrović-Njegoš.
Here's a detailed overview of this historical coin:
Basic Specifications
Country: Kingdom of Montenegro
Denomination: 1 Perper
Year: 1912
Metal: Silver (.835 fine)
Weight: Approximately 5 grams
Diameter: Around 23 mm
Edge: Reeded
Obverse (Front)
The obverse features a right-facing portrait of King Nikola I, depicted with a full beard and wearing a royal uniform. Surrounding the portrait is the inscription in Cyrillic:
"Никола I Б.М. Краљ Црне Горе"
("Nikola I, by the Grace of God, King of Montenegro")
The engraving reflects the king’s strong personality and his role as the ruler who brought Montenegro to its height of sovereignty in the early 20th century.
Reverse (Back)
The reverse showcases the denomination “1 PERPER” prominently in the center, with laurel and oak branches symbolizing victory and strength. The date “1912” appears below, and the Cyrillic inscription above reads:
"КРАЉЕВИНА ЦРНА ГОРА"
("Kingdom of Montenegro")
The coat of arms of Montenegro is often incorporated subtly or stylized in this design, emphasizing national pride and identity.
Historical Context
The year 1912 is important in Balkan history, as it marked the First Balkan War, in which Montenegro joined other Balkan states in fighting the Ottoman Empire. It also marked Montenegro’s final years as an independent kingdom before it became part of the Kingdom of Serbs, Croats, and Slovenes (later Yugoslavia) in 1918.
King Nikola I, Montenegro's only monarch to hold the title of "king" (he ruled as prince from 1860 to 1910 and king from 1910 to 1918), issued the Perper as the official currency of the newly elevated kingdom. The 1 Perper coin was part of a short-lived but important monetary system reflecting Montenegro’s aspirations for modern statehood and sovereignty.
Monetary Background
The Perper was introduced in 1906, named after the medieval Byzantine "hyperpyron", symbolizing a connection to Montenegro’s ancient heritage and Christian identity. It replaced the Austro-Hungarian currencies circulating in the region and was pegged roughly to the French franc system to stabilize trade and gain international acceptance.
Montenegro issued a limited range of coinage denominations in both gold and silver:
Copper coins for smaller denominations (1, 2, 10 para)
Silver coins for 20 and 50 para, and 1 and 2 Perper
Gold coins (very rare) for 10 and 20 Perpera
Legacy of King Nikola I
Nikola I Petrović-Njegoš ruled Montenegro for 58 years, making him one of the longest-reigning monarchs in Europe.
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