Halier Coin Guide: History of the Slovak Currency

Illustrated Specimen Details: Halier Coin of Slovakia

Example Specimen: 50 halier, 2007 (Slovak Republic)

Design & Heraldry: The obverse of this coin features the iconic watch tower ("Maiden Tower") of Devin Castle in Bratislava. It also proudly displays the coat of arms of Slovakia: a red shield in early Gothic style, with a silver double cross standing on the middle peak of a dark blue mountain consisting of three peaks. The double cross is a symbol of Christian faith, and the hills represent three symbolic mountain ranges: Tatra, Fatra, and Matra. The inscription reads SLOVENSKÁ REPUBLIKA.

Minting Details: Below the date is the mintmark of the Kremnica Mint (Slovakia) and the micro mark Z, representing the engraver Drahomír Zobek, who served as chief engraver between 1992-1997. This specific 2007 issue had a mintage of 22,050,000 pieces.

1. SLOVAKIA — SLOVAK REPUBLIC (Slovak State) as partially-recognized client state of Nazi Germany (1939-1944) and the modern SLOVAK REPUBLIC (1993-2008): 100 halierov = 1 koruna.

History and Linguistic Origin of the Halier

About the name "halier" (plural — halierov): The halier belongs to the Central European monetary family. Alongside the haléř of the Czech Republic and Czechoslovakia, it is essentially a regional variety of the medieval European (originally German) coin known as the heller. The name reflects centuries of monetary influence from German-speaking Central Europe.

Monetary System and Economic Role

In both historical Slovak currency systems, the halier served as the fractional decimal subdivision of the koruna (where 100 halierov equaled 1 koruna). It functioned primarily as everyday small change for retail and accounting. Halier coins were struck in various base metals, including zinc, aluminum, aluminum-bronze, and modern plated steel alloys, until their replacement by euro-cent denominations.

World War II Era (1939-1944)

During the years 1939-1944, the wartime Slovak State issued its own koruna and halier currency system under strong political and economic influence from Nazi Germany. Coins from this era commonly featured Slovak national symbols, Christian imagery, and wartime state emblems. This coinage forms an important part of World War II Central European numismatics, with collectors especially valuing silver wartime commemoratives and scarce low-mintage issues.

Modern Slovakia (1993-2008)

Following the peaceful dissolution of Czechoslovakia in 1993, modern Slovakia introduced its own Slovak koruna, retaining the halier as the fractional denomination. Post-1993 Slovak coins symbolize modern Slovak independence, often featuring national architecture, historical motifs, and agricultural symbolism. The system remained in active circulation until Slovakia officially adopted the euro in 2009.