Obverse. Photo © NumisCorner.com
  • 200 Forint 1978, KM# 614, Hungary, First Hungarian Gold Forint of Charles Robert
  • 200 Forint 1978, KM# 614, Hungary, First Hungarian Gold Forint of Charles Robert
Description

The inception of the first Hungarian gold coin traces back to the late 13th century under the reign of King Charles I, also known as Charles Robert. Confronting economic challenges and endeavoring to stabilize the kingdom's monetary system, Charles I initiated a bold monetary reform.

In 1325, Charles I introduced the "gold florin" (forint) as Hungary's official currency, drawing inspiration from the successful gold florins of Florence. Crafted from premium-quality gold, this coin aimed to standardize currency and facilitate trade both domestically and internationally.

The introduction of the inaugural Hungarian gold coin marked a pivotal moment in the kingdom's economic evolution, furnishing a reliable and esteemed currency that facilitated commerce and elevated Hungary's stature within the region. Over time, the gold florin gained widespread acceptance and circulation, contributing significantly to the kingdom's prosperity.

Today, the inaugural Hungarian gold coin serves as a testament to Hungary's numismatic legacy and the visionary leadership of King Charles I in establishing a robust and dependable currency system during the medieval era.

Obverse

Depicts an initial extending from its expansive "A" and representing crowned and armored King Charles I keeping his coat of arms in the left hand and the globus cruciger in the right, surrounded by two circles of inscritpions. The first one is in Latin "Charles Robert King" with dates of his reign and the second one is in Hungarian "In memory of the first Hungarian gold forint" with the engraver's initials (CSV) below.

Charles I, also known as Charles Robert (1288–1342), was King of Hungary and Croatia from 1308 until his death. A member of the Capetian House of Anjou, he was the son of Charles Martel and the grandson of Mary of Hungary, who had originally claimed the Hungarian throne. Charles first arrived in Hungary in 1300, but his early reign faced challenges from rival claimants and local oligarchs. After being crowned with the Holy Crown in 1310, Charles consolidated his power through military victories, including the decisive Battle of Rozgony in 1312, and by neutralizing influential nobles.

Charles reformed the kingdom’s administration by introducing "office fiefs" to ensure the loyalty of his officials and established the Order of Saint George. He promoted economic growth through gold mining, making Hungary a leading gold producer, and initiated commercial and diplomatic efforts, notably the Visegrád Congress of 1335. Despite facing setbacks such as the Battle of Posada and the persistence of Croatian autonomy, Charles’s reign laid the groundwork for Hungary’s later achievements under his successor, Louis the Great.

Engraver: Viktória Csúcs

AZ ELSŐ MAGYAR ARANYFORINT EMLÉKÉRE
Carolus Robertus Rex
A
nno 1308-42
CSV

Reverse

Depicts the Anjou lily, which is identical in form to the lily on the first Hungarian gold forint coin issued during the reign of King Charles I, with the mintmark (BP) on the left, the issue date on the right, the denomination below and the country name (Hungarian People's Republic) above. To the left of the lily stem, the engraver's initials (KJ).

Engraver: József Kótai

MAGYAR . NÉPKÖZTÁRSASÁG . FORINT
BP. 1978
KJ
200

Edge

Depicts 16 stylized leaf motifs reminiscent of the jewelry from the Hungarian Conquest era, arranged in alternating fashion. Additionally, interspersed between every two leaves, one rhombus shape is discernible.

200 Forint

People's Republic

First Hungarian Gold Forint of Charles Robert

KM# 614 Unger# 1613 Adamo# EM56
Characteristics
Type Commemorative Issue (Non-circulating)
Material Silver
Fineness 0.640
Weight 28 g
Diameter 37 mm
Thickness 3 mm
Shape round
Alignment Medal
Mint
Budapest Mint (BP)

Related coins

People's Republic

150th Anniversary of Birth of Ignaz Semmelweis

Gold, 16.82 g, ⌀ 34 mm
People's Republic

30th Anniversary of the Liberation

Silver, 28 g, ⌀ 37 mm
People's Republic, 150th Anniversary of the Hungarian Academy of Science

Silver, 28 g, ⌀ 37 mm