The National Bank of Hungary releases new commemorative coins

Hungary is honoring the 250th anniversary of the birth of Mihály Csokonai Vitéz with two new commemorative coins.

Two new forint coins

Last month, the National Bank of Hungary introduced commemorative coins for Ferenc Deák. On November 17, 2023, two new coins are released to mark the 250th anniversary of Mihály Csokonai Vitéz’s birth. These commemorative coins pay tribute to one of the most influential poets of Hungarian Enlightenment literature, Pénzcentrum reports.

The scholar poet of the Hungarian Enlightenment

Mihály Csokonai Vitéz, born on November 17, 1773, and revered as the scholar poet (poeta doctus), significantly shaped Hungarian poetry during the Enlightenment era. His literary prowess extended across various genres, from philosophical poems to rococo love poetry, showcasing an innovative approach to content and form. Despite his exceptional talent, Csokonai faced challenges throughout his life, enduring a lack of recognition and financial security. His poems, distributed in manuscript form during his lifetime, gained widespread popularity posthumously. Read about his hometown, Debrecen HERE.

Design and symbolism

The commemorative silver coin, with a face value of HUF 15,000 (approximately EUR 39.82), features a central motif of common chicories, representing a literary attribute associated with Csokonai’s multifaceted poetry. The inscription ’ÉN, ANGYAL MEG ÁLLAT, VAGY CSAK POR MEG PÁRA’ (I, angel and animal, or merely dust and vapour) from ‘Halotti versek’ (Death Poems) by him adorns the edge of the obverse. The reverse showcases a half-length portrait of Csokonai, inspired by an etching by Friedrich John from 1816. Symbolising artistic freedom, both obverse and reverse motifs extend beyond the coin’s edge, with stars adorning the background. Csokonai’s birth and death dates, ‘1773’ and ‘1805’, are elegantly displayed to the right of the portrait.

Who’s the artist behind it?

Borbála Szanyi’s masterful touch is evident in the artistic expression of these commemorative coins. Her signature mark graces the left side of the portrait, emphasising the collaborative effort in bringing Csokonai’s legacy to life. The inscription ‘CSOKONAI VITÉZ MIHÁLY’ encircles the lower left-hand edge of the reverse, set slightly above the base plane and surrounded by a single dot.

A fitting tribute to Csokonai’s literary legacy

The introduction of these commemorative coins not only celebrates the 250th anniversary of Mihály Csokonai Vitéz’s birth but also serves as a lasting tribute to his enduring impact on Hungarian literature. As these coins enter circulation, they become tangible reminders of the profound influence of one of Hungary’s literary luminaries. The silver coin will be available for purchase for three months, while supplies last, and the non-ferrous version for a year from the date of issuance, at face value, in the coin shop and webshop of the Hungarian Mint Ltd. (7 Báthory street, District 5, Budapest), the manufacturer and distributor of the coins, beginning on November 17, 2023.

Source: Pénzcentrum