By Coin & Currency Institute….
The National Bank of Hungary (Magyar Nemzeti Bank) has issued gold coins with face values of 50,000 and 5,000 forint and a non-ferrous metal coin with a face value of 2,000 forint to commemorate the 425th anniversary of the first complete translation of the Bible into Hungarian.
The design of all three coins is identical, with the numerals stating the value being the only difference. Their obverse features a representation of the Vizsoly Reformed Church. On the right, the coin is inscribed with ‘MAGYARORSZÁG’, with the value numeral and the inscription ‘FORINT’ placed below it in two horizontal lines. The mint year ‘2015’ and the mint mark ‘BP’ are positioned on the left.
Vizsoly is a small village in northeast Hungary, where one of the 54 surviving copies of the Bible, known as the Vizsoly Bible after the place of its printing, or the Károli Bible is on permanent display. It was translated in the 16th century by pastor Gáspár Károli and other Calvinists and was printed by Bálint Mantskovit in 1590. It is massive, three volumes containing 2,412 pages and weighing about 13 pounds.
The reverse bears a representation of a ‘V’ initial in a square frame. Outside the frame, the inscriptions from the left to the right read ‘425 ÉVES A VIZSOLYI BIBLIA’ and ’1590 – 2015’. The initials of designer Andrea Horváth are placed on the lower edge, in the center.
The coin with a face value of HUF 50,000 conforms to the standard of the old Hungarian gold florin. It is struck in .986 fine gold. It weighs 3.491 grams and is 20 mm in diameter. The coin with a face value of HUF 5,000 is struck in .999 fine gold. It weighs 0.5 grams and it is 11 mm in diameter. The non-ferrous metal coin is produced from copper (75%), nickel (4%) and zinc (21%). It weighs 2.7 grams and has the same size as the 50,000 forint. All three coins have a smooth edge. The mintage limit for the 50,000 forint gold coin is 2,000 pieces in UNC finish. It sells for $345.00. The mintage limit is 5,000 pieces for both the 5,000 forint proof-like gold coin which costs $75.00 and the 2,000 forint non-ferrous metal coin that is in BU finish and is available for $19.50.
Beginning in 2014, all precious metal commemorative coins were also issued in a less expensive non-ferrous metal version to benefit collectors who wish to buy the same artistic theme at a more affordable price. By issuing lower-priced versions, the MNB and the Hungarian Mint are also hoping to encourage younger generations to collect commemorative coins.
To order, or for more information on these and other coins of Hungary, contact the Hungarian Mint’s North American Representative at P.O. Box 399, Williston, VT 05495. Toll-free 1-800-421-1866. Fax 802-536-4787. Email: [email protected], or click on the Hungarian flag at www.coin-currency.com for secure website ordering. Add $5.75 to each order for shipping and handling in the U.S.A. Shipping to other countries will be based on actual cost. Vermont residents add 6% sales tax. Those desiring to receive information and photographs electronically on a regular basis can provide their email address to [email protected].
