National Bank of Hungary launches HUF 15,000 coin
The National Bank of Hungary has issued a commemorative coin collection to celebrate 150 years of the Hungarian Chamber of Notaries. Released on 12 December 2024, the coins include a silver collector’s version with a face value of HUF 15,000 and a non-ferrous metal edition valued at HUF 3,000. Both coins, designed by sculptor Balázs Pelcz, honour the establishment of modern notarial services in Hungary.
New coin released by the National Bank of Hungary
The National Bank of Hungary has issued commemorative coins celebrating 150 years of the Hungarian Chamber of Notaries, tracing its modern origins to the Act XXXV of 1874. This legislation redefined the notarial office, transitioning from its medieval roots under papal and imperial authority to a public service role under judicial reform. The silver collector coin, valued at HUF 15,000 (EUR 36.63), and its non-ferrous counterpart, worth HUF 3,000 (EUR 7.33), highlight the notarial coat of arms and honour Bálint Ökröss, a pioneering figure in Hungarian notarial history. Ökröss, a key drafter of the 1874 Act and a leader in the profession, also founded the Hungarian Gazette, which continues to be published.
The obverse
The commemorative coin released by the National Bank of Hungary features the notarial coat of arms as the central motif on the obverse. Inspired by an archaic-style seal with a cord, the design symbolises the act of authentication by notaries. The obverse also includes the inscription “150 ÉVES A MAGYAR POLGÁRI KÖZJEGYZŐSÉG” (150 Years of the Hungarian Chamber of Notaries) and essential coin elements such as “MAGYARORSZÁG” (Hungary), denominations of HUF 15,000 and 3,000, and the mint mark “BP.” with the year “2024.”
The reverse
The reverse of the commemorative coins issued by the National Bank of Hungary features a portrait of Bálint Ökröss, based on a historical photograph, as its central motif. The design includes Ökröss’s signature and an inscription in the upper legend recognising him as the drafter of the 1874 Act on Royal Notaries. Sculptor Balázs Pelcz, the coin’s designer, has placed his mark to the left of the portrait, further enhancing the tribute to this pivotal figure in Hungarian notarial history.
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