Obverse. Photo © NumisCorner.com
  • 100 Forint 1969, KM# 590, Hungary, 50th Anniversary of the Hungarian Soviet Republic
  • 100 Forint 1969, KM# 590, Hungary, 50th Anniversary of the Hungarian Soviet Republic
Description

A Council Republic, also known as a Soviet Republic, is a government where power is directly held by workers' councils. Though often associated with communism, it originated as a unique form of non-parliamentary governance in various historical democracies. The Hungarian Soviet Republic, established in Budapest on March 21, 1919, following the Russian Revolution, lasted until August 1, 1919, also known as the Hungarian People's Republic.

Triggered by an ultimatum from the Entente powers demanding Romanian administration extension to the Tisza River, the existing bourgeois democratic coalition government resigned on March 21, 1919. The dwindling Social Democrats joined forces with the Hungarian Communist Party, forming a new government and declaring the Soviet Republic, thus establishing proletarian rule.

Following the Russian model, they implemented workers' council management in factories, nationalized various sectors, and issued decrees on land socialization, leading to challenges in daily life and production. The Soviet Republic relied heavily on its military for unity, with the Red Army led by Aurél Stromfeld. However, political pressure led to the Red Army's withdrawal, causing demoralization and eventually the collapse of the republic on July 31, 1919, with Entente troops occupying Hungary.

Engraver: Dezső Kovács

Obverse

Depicts a worker brandishing a red flag in Róbert Berény's "To Arms!, To Arms!" poster, with the inscription "Hungarian People's Republic" above and the date below, marking the proclamation of the Hungarian Soviet Republic. Star motifs symmetrically adorn the sides of the date within a circular frame.

Róbert Berény's monumental lithograph is celebrated as one of Hungary's most iconic political posters, representing a significant piece in both Hungarian and global art history. It is widely referenced and reproduced in historical and art historical literature of its era. Berény, a notable figure in the Hungarian avant-garde, began his artistic journey at the Tivadar Zemplényi School of Drawing in 1904 before moving to Paris, where he was influenced by Cézanne's art and engaged with contemporary artistic movements. During the Hungarian Soviet Republic, Berény led the painting department of the Art Directorate and produced notable posters, including the iconic "To Arms! To Arms!" After 1919, he relocated to Berlin, where he resided until 1926.

MAGYAR TANÁCSKÖZTÁRSASÁG
⋆ 1919.III.21. ⋆

Reverse

Depicts the coat of arms of the Hungarian People's Republic above the denomination, the mintmark (BP) below, surrounded by the country name (Hungarian People's Republic) and two stars on each side encircling the issue year.

The coat of arms of the Hungarian People's Republic consists of a centrally positioned Hungarian shield adorned with a five-pointed red star at the top, symbolizing socialism. Surrounding the shield are ears of wheat on either side, representing agriculture and the nation's bounty.

MAGYAR NÉPKÖZTÁRSASÁG
100
BP.
FORINT
⋆⋆ 1969 ⋆⋆

Edge

100 Forint

People's Republic
KM# 590 Unger# 1557 Huszar#  2374 Adamo# EM35
Characteristics
Type Commemorative Issue (Non-circulating)
Material Silver
Fineness 0.640
Weight 22 g
Diameter 37 mm
Thickness 2.4 mm
Shape round
Alignment Medal
Mint
Budapest Mint (BP)

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