Obverse. Photo © Hungarian National Bank
  • 15 000 Forint 2024, Hungary, 150th Anniversary of Birth of Kincsem
  • 15 000 Forint 2024, Hungary, 150th Anniversary of Birth of Kincsem
Description

Kincsem, which translates to "My Precious" or "My Treasure" in Hungarian, was a Thoroughbred racehorse born in Kisbér, Hungary, in 1874. Renowned for her unparalleled success, she remains undefeated in all 54 of her races, a record unmatched by any other racehorse, with the closest being Black Caviar, who won 25 races. Kincsem's dominance extended across Europe, where she triumphed in Classic races within the Austro-Hungarian Empire and achieved victories in Germany, including the Grosser Preis von Baden three times. She even conquered races in England and France, solidifying her status as one of the premier racehorses of the 19th century. Despite a brief career as a broodmare, her offspring continued her legacy, with two becoming Classic winners and her descendants leaving a lasting imprint on the breed, including English Classic champions like Polygamy and Camelot.

Kincsem Park, Hungary's leading racetrack located in Budapest, pays homage to her legacy. At the entrance to the old grandstand stands a life-sized statue in her honor. Blaskovich's former stud farm now serves as the site for the Kincsem Equestrian Park and Kincsem Museum, featuring a dedicated room showcasing the mare's remarkable career. Numerous streets across Hungary, including those in Tápiószentmárton, Kisbér, Göd, and Dunakeszi, bear her name, symbolizing her significance in Hungarian racing history. Even in Iffezheim (Baden-Baden), there exists a Kincsem Street. Although her training stable in Göd lay abandoned for years, it was reconstructed in 2016-17, with a statue of Kincsem erected on the premises, inspiring many local businesses to adopt her name.

Engraver: Gábor Kereszthury

Obverse

Depicts Kincsem at the age of four, adorned with a laurel wreath around her neck, inspired by a drawing by painter Emil Adam. Encircling the ribbon bush of the laurel wreath is the inscription "54 wins in 54 races," with the number "54" centered within. The country name, issue date, and mintmark (BP) are positioned on the top left, while the denomination is located below the right. The engraver's privy mark is situated on the top right.

MAGYARORSZÁG
2024
BP.
54 FUTAMON 54 GYŐZELEM
54
15000 FORINT

Reverse

Depicts the four-year-old Kincsem alongside her owner, Ernő Blaskovich, and a cat, inspired by an 1878 painting by artist Emil Adam. Above them, the inscription reads "150 YEARS AGO THE HUNGARIAN MIRACLE HORSE WAS BORN" on the top right.

Ebeczki Blaskovich Ernő (1834–1911) was a Hungarian landowner, agriculturist, sportsman, gentleman rider, horse breeder, and founder of the Tápiószentmárton stud farm. He was the owner of Kincsem.

Legend has it that the bond between Kincsem and the cat dates back to their early days on the Göd estate. It was there, amidst their youth, that Kincsem formed a lasting friendship with Csalogány (Nightingale), the bender's female kitten. Growing up together, they became inseparable companions, with their connection deepening over time. It was said that Kincsem found solace and relaxation in the presence of Csalogány, her trusted companion. From the onset of Kincsem's training sessions to her later competitions, the cat remained a steadfast presence, offering not only fervent support but also unwavering spiritual encouragement. Their bond was so profound that the cat would often perch on Kincsem's back, illustrating the depth of their trust and friendship.

KINCSEM
150 ÉVE SZÜLETETT A MAGYAR CSODAKANCA

Edge
Characteristics
Type Commemorative Issue (Non-circulating)
Material Silver
Fineness 0.925
Weight 31.46 g
Diameter -
Width 39.6 mm
Height 26.4 mm
Thickness -
Shape rectangular
Alignment Medal
Mint
Budapest Mint (BP)

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