Montenegro 20 Para 1914 Crna gora
see video: https://fb.watch/zlZzgmaQXj/
The Montenegro 20 Para 1914 coin is a fascinating piece of numismatic history that reflects both the national aspirations and complex geopolitics of the early 20th century Balkans. Here's an overview of the coin and its historical context:
Country: Montenegro
Denomination: 20 Para
Year of Issue: 1914
Ruler: King Nicholas I (Nikola I Petrović-Njegoš)
Metal: Nickel
Weight: 4 grams
Diameter: 21 mm
Edge: Plain
Mint: Vienna Mint (Austria)
Obverse Design
The obverse of the coin features a left-facing bust of King Nicholas I, with the inscription in Cyrillic or Latin, depending on the variety, typically reading:
"НИКОЛА I Б. М. КРАЉ ЦРНЕ ГОРЕ"
(“Nikola I by the Grace of God, King of Montenegro”)
This reflects Montenegro’s monarchical status and national identity shortly before it lost its independence.
Reverse Design
The reverse side displays the denomination "20 PARA", the date “1914”, and is surrounded by a laurel wreath—an emblem of honor and national pride. The country's name "КРАЉЕВИНА ЦРНА ГОРА" (“Kingdom of Montenegro”) is also inscribed.
Historical Context
In 1910, Montenegro became a kingdom, with Nicholas I proclaiming himself king.
1914 was a tumultuous year—World War I broke out in July, which would deeply affect Montenegro and its sovereignty.
Although this coin bears the 1914 date, it is believed that actual minting may have been extremely limited, or possibly never circulated widely due to the outbreak of war.
By 1918, Montenegro was absorbed into the Kingdom of Serbs, Croats and Slovenes (later Yugoslavia), ending its independent coinage.
Historical and Political Background
King Nicholas I and the Kingdom of Montenegro
Nicholas I Petrović-Njegoš ruled Montenegro from 1860 to 1918—first as a prince, then as king.
Under his reign, Montenegro underwent significant modernization and expansion, and in 1910, it was elevated to a kingdom.
The issuance of the 20 Para 1914 coin came at a time when Montenegro sought to solidify its national identity through currency, military reform, and diplomacy.
The coin was minted just as Europe descended into World War I. Montenegro sided with the Allies, but was soon occupied by Austro-Hungarian forces in 1916.
In 1918, following the war, Montenegro was annexed into the Kingdom of Serbs, Croats, and Slovenes, effectively ending its independent monarchy and minting.
Cultural Significance
The 20 Para 1914 coin isn't just currency—it's a symbol of Montenegro’s short-lived independence and royal sovereignty before its unification with Serbia and later Yugoslavia.
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