New forint coins honour Hungarian astronauts – visuals
The true significance of the HUNOR programme lies in the thrilling fact that, after 45 years, a Hungarian astronaut has once again ventured into space. To celebrate this monumental achievement, the central bank is issuing a stunning silver commemorative coin with a face value of 20,000 forints, alongside a colourful non-precious metal version worth 3,000 forints, declared Mihály Varga, Governor of the Hungarian National Bank, at the exciting Monday ceremony marking their launch.
New forint coins honour Hungarian astronauts
He vividly recalled how Tibor Kapu, during the space programme, conducted experiments from Hungarian universities, companies, and research labs in the vastness of outer space, while his backup astronaut companion, Gyula Cserényi, provided vital support from down on Earth.
The programme has invigorated Hungarian science, thereby supercharging the competitiveness of the Hungarian economy, the governor emphasised, adding that the mission has elevated the international prestige of Hungarian space research and scientific endeavours, while opening thrilling new doors for our nation to join one of the world’s fastest-growing sectors.
“Today, just like the mission of our celebrated guest Farkas Bertalan from yesteryear, the expedition of Tibor Kapu and Gyula Cserényi stands as another triumphant national feat that fills us all with pride. Their mission has proven that Hungarian knowledge and tenacity can hold their own at the very pinnacle of global achievement. Tibor Kapu’s flight is a glorious victory for the Hungarian spirit and perseverance, while Gyula Cserényi’s preparation and future role stand as a rock-solid guarantee that the HUNOR programme will endure for the long haul,” he said with feeling.
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Hungarian National Bank’s second homage to Hungarian spacefaring
Mihály Varga noted that one of the central bank’s core duties is to safeguard price stability, yet it remains steadfastly committed to preserving value and promoting financial literacy. To this end, the MNB has been issuing commemorative coins since 1968 to honour the nation’s pivotal historical, scientific and cultural milestones and anniversaries.
“Given Hungary’s standing in innovation and space exploration, the 2025 Hungarian spaceflight marks an outstanding milestone, so the central bank is commemorating it with these coins,” he declared.
The bank previously released a commemorative coin in 1980 to celebrate the space journey of the first Hungarian astronaut, Farkas Bertalan, meaning these new HUNOR-themed coins represent the Hungarian National Bank’s second homage to Hungarian spacefaring after 45 years. The governor also drew attention to how the primary roles of these coins are to convey value and spark interest, cautioning that they are not intended for everyday transactions. Their exquisite artistic craftsmanship lends them unique worth, with the face value inscribed on them helping to preserve their collectible appeal.
Collective success of the country
With the HUNOR Hungarian astronaut programme – more than 40 years after Bertalan Farkas’s triumphant flight – Hungary has returned to its rightful place among the stars, emphasised Orsolya Ferencz, the ministerial commissioner responsible for space research. “This is a unifying moment for the nation, and its fitting commemoration has now become possible thanks to the Hungarian National Bank,” she added.
She highlighted that this success sends a powerful message both to the Hungarian nation and to the global public: that Hungary is capable of achieving knowledge-based triumphs, solving scientific challenges and converting them into economic capital. At the event, research astronaut Tibor Kapu put it eloquently: although two faces appear on the coins, HUNOR represents the collective success of a team and an entire country. “For us, the space programme is a shared endeavour pushing to the ultimate frontier, representing a whole nation,” he underscored.
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Symbol of a new era
“This coin symbolises the dawn of a new era in Hungarian space research,” said trained research astronaut Gyula Cserényi. He added that the preparations in Hungary, the training in America and Tibor Kapu’s successful mission together form a resounding victory for Hungarian science, engineering expertise and human endurance.
“This coin doesn’t merely depict two astronauts; it embodies the effort, faith and unity of the entire country – Hungarian researchers, companies and people,” he declared.
Coin design details
The obverse of the commemorative coins features half-length portraits of Kapu Tibor and Gyula Cserényi, along with their names. Around the edge appears “Magyarország”, with the 20,000 and 3,000 forint denominations in the lower semicircle, the Budapest mint mark on the left and the 2025 minting year on the right.
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The reverse showcases a magical incantation motif rendered as a constellation, a segment of the globe highlighting Europe and Hungary within it, and the HUNOR mission emblem. To the left of the globe sits the logo of the designing firm, Graphasel Design Studio Kft. Additionally, the reverse bears the inscription “Magyarok a világűrben 2025.”
Both coins measure 38.61 millimetres in diameter with reeded edges. The 20,000-forint silver coin is crafted from 925-fineness silver, weighing 31.46 grams. The 3,000-forint non-precious metal variant is made from a 75 per cent copper and 25 per cent nickel alloy, weighing 30.80 grams.
The silver commemorative coin can be purchased at face value from the Hungarian Mint Ltd’s coin shop and online store for three months following its 1 December release, while the non-precious metal version is available at face value for one year starting from Tuesday.