Obverse. Photo © Hungarian National Bank
  • 20 000 Forint 2024, Hungary, Hungarian Counties and County Seats, Baranya County - Pécs
  • 20 000 Forint 2024, Hungary, Hungarian Counties and County Seats, Baranya County - Pécs
Description

Baranya, also known as Baranya County in southern Hungary, is part of the historical Baranya region. Established as one of Hungary's 19 counties in 1950, it has a rich history dating back to the 11th century. It shares borders with Somogy, Tolna, and Bács-Kiskun Counties, and Croatia. Its capital and largest city is Pécs.

Pécs, the fifth largest city in Hungary, serves as the administrative and economic hub of Baranya County, it's also home to the Roman Catholic Diocese of Pécs. With roots tracing back to ancient civilizations like the Celts and Romans, Pécs boasts the country's oldest university and stands as a significant cultural center. Its diverse heritage, shaped by a 150-year Ottoman rule, reflects a rich tapestry of multi-ethnic influences spanning over two millennia. Recognized for its cultural significance, Pécs has earned accolades such as being named a European Capital of Culture. Notably, its Roman-era Christian necropolis has been designated a UNESCO World Heritage Site since 2000.

Engraver: Gábor Kereszthury

Obverse

Depicts the Downtown Candlemas Church of the Blessed Virgin Mary, with an animal-head waterspout of the Zsolnay Fountain on the right and the Holy Trinity statue on the left, and Pécs TV Tower on the left. The country name above, the issue date and mintmark (BP) on the left and the denomination below.

Formerly known as the Mosque of Pasha Qasim, the Downtown Candlemas Church of the Blessed Virgin Mary in Pécs, Hungary, is a significant symbol of the city's history. Constructed between 1543 and 1546 during the Ottoman conquest, the building stands as one of the largest Ottoman constructions remaining in Hungary, retaining many Turkish architectural features. Converted into a Roman Catholic church in 1702 after the Habsburg-Hungarian troops regained control, the mosque underwent significant alterations, including the removal of its minaret in 1766. Despite these changes, traces of its Turkish origins are evident, with Ottoman decorations and Qur'anic inscriptions still visible. Situated on Pécs's main square, the building serves as a reminder of the city's multi-layered past, reflecting both its Ottoman heritage and subsequent transformations.

The eosin-glazed animal-head waterspout, originally part of the fountain erected in Pécs in memory of Vilmos Zsolnay, signifies both the legacy of the renowned ceramics manufacturer and the city's cultural heritage. Vilmos Zsolnay's international acclaim began at the 1873 Vienna World’s Fair, propelling Pécs into the spotlight of the Hungarian Art Nouveau movement. Despite setbacks, including the First World War, the fountain, designed by Andor Pilch under Miklós Zsolnay's guidance, was finally unveiled in 1930 at what is now Zsolnay Square.

Inspired by Emperor Leopold I, Pécs erected a Holy Trinity statue on its main square to honor Plague victims. Sculpted by György Kiss, this 100-year-old monument features plague-saints Roch, Sebastian, and Rosalie on its ledge, while figures of the Holy Father and Son rest at its base. At the top, a Holy Spirit dove is surrounded by golden rays.

Located atop the Misina peak of Mecsek in Pécs, Hungary, the Pécs TV tower stands as the country's tallest building, soaring 197 meters high. Constructed between 1968 and 1973, it features a publicly accessible observation deck at 75 meters and a restaurant at 72 meters.

MAGYARORSZÁG
2024 BP.
PÉCS
20000 FORINT

Reverse

Depicts a map-like representation of the county on the left with the inscription "Baranya County", the Banat peony, which occurs only in Baranya County, in the center with the inscription "Banat peony" below. The grape cluster on the top right (this motif also featured in the county coat of arms refers to the wine regions of Pécs and Villány-Siklós) and the privy mark of the engraver on the bottom right.

The Banat peony, also known as the Banság peony or Mecsek peony (Paeonia banatica or Paeonia officinalis subsp. banatica), is a rare plant primarily found along the ridge of Zengő, the tallest peak in the Mecsek region of Baranya County. Its vibrant blooms in spring have historically drawn visitors to enjoy peony-viewing tours from Hosszúhetény in eastern Mecsek.

BARANYA
VÁRMEGYE
BÁNÁTI BAZSARÓZSA

Edge
Characteristics
Type Commemorative Issue (Non-circulating)
Material Silver
Fineness 0.925
Weight 40 g
Diameter 42 mm
Thickness -
Shape round
Alignment Medal
Mint
Budapest Mint (BP)

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