Hungarian central bank launches new 200-forint coin alongside commemorative coins – PHOTOS

The National Bank of Hungary (Magyar Nemzeti Bank, MNB) has announced the release of new commemorative coins, including a redesigned version of the circulating 200-forint coin. Two other commemorative coins with face values of HUF 30,000 (EUR 75) and HUF 7,500 (EUR 19) will also be introduced, each honouring the martyrs of Arad.

Commemorative coins honouring the martyrs of Arad

On 6 October, which marks the memorial day of the martyrs of Arad, the MNB will issue a large, 30,000-forint silver coin with a 13-sided inner rim, along with a 7,500-forint version made from non-ferrous metals, Világgazdaság reports. These coins are being released to commemorate the 175th anniversary of the execution of the martyrs who sacrificed their lives for Hungarian independence.

In addition to the commemorative coins, a special edition of the 200-forint coin will also be issued in honour of Lajos Batthyány, Hungary’s first constitutional prime minister. One million copies of this unique 200-forint coin will be put into circulation, while the silver commemorative coins will be produced in a limited run of 6,000 pieces, and the non-ferrous metal versions in 8,000 pieces. The commemorative designs were created by coin artist István Kósa, while sculptor Zoltán Kovács crafted the redesigned side of the 200-forint coin.

175 years ago, on 6 October 1849, 13 Hungarian military officers were executed in Arad due to their role in the 1848-1849 War of Independence. In remembrance of the 175th anniversary of their execution, as well as that of Lajos Batthyány, MNB will issue a commemorative edition of the 200-forint coin, a large, 30,000-forint silver coin with a 13-sided inner rim, and a 7,500-forint non-ferrous variant will also be introduced on this national day of mourning.

200-forint coins to look different

The commemorative version of the 200-forint coin will retain the same face side as the current coin in circulation, but instead of the familiar Chain Bridge design, the reverse will feature a portrait of Count Lajos Batthyány (see above). This image, based on Miklós Barabás’ famous oil painting, extends to the coin’s edge. Below the portrait, you’ll find the year of minting, “2024”, on the left side, with “BATTHYÁNY” inscribed above, and “MAGYARORSZÁG” on the right.

One million copies of the commemorative 200-forint coin will be minted.

“Lajos Batthyány and the 13 Martyrs of Arad” commemorative coin

To honour the significance of this anniversary, the MNB will also release commemorative coins named “Lajos Batthyány and the 13 Martyrs of Arad” with face values of 30,000 forints in silver and 7,500 forints in non-ferrous. These coins are intended to serve as a tribute to the martyrs who fought for Hungary’s independence and self-determination. They will not be put into circulation. The designs of the silver and non-ferrous versions are identical, differing only in face value.

Both sides of the “Lajos Batthyány and the 13 Martyrs of Arad” coins feature a 13-sided inner rim, symbolising the reason for their release. The obverse side displays a half-length portrait of Lajos Batthyány, based on Miklós Barabás’ painting. To the left is the inscription “MAGYARORSZÁG” (Hungary), while on the right, in three lines, are the face values “30000” and “7500”, the word “FORINT”, and the mint mark “BP.” Below the portrait is Batthyány’s signature, inscribed vertically.

On the reverse side, a stylised representation of a kopjafa (a Hungarian memorial column) appears on the left, with the date “1849” inscribed at the top to mark the year of the martyrs’ execution (see above). Below this are the names of the 13 martyrs, listed in two columns, and at the bottom, the minting year “2024”. To the right, a part of the Arad Liberty Statue, created by sculptor György Zala, is depicted. At the top right of the reverse is the inscription “ARADI VÉRTANÚK” (Martyrs of Arad), and the designer’s signature, István Kósa, appears at the bottom.

As with previous releases, these coins will be produced in limited quantities: 6,000 silver coins and 8,000 non-ferrous coins.

To ensure the wide distribution and appreciation of these commemorative pieces, the 30,000-forint silver coin will be available for its face value for three months following its release, while the non-ferrous version will be available for one year, starting on 7 October 2024. The coins can be purchased at the Hungarian Mint’s shop (7 Báthory Street, District V., Budapest) or through their online store.

Read also:

• National Bank of Hungary releases new HUF 3,000 coin on 20 August – PHOTO
• Hungary introduces new commemorative coin honouring 800 years of Pannonhalma Archabbey

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