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 (Hungarian: Károly Róbert; Croatian: Karlo Robert; Slovak: Karol Róbert; 1288 – 16 July 1342), ruled as King of Hungary and Croatia from 1308 until his death. Born into the Capetian House of Anjou, he was the sole son of Charles Martel, Prince of Salerno, who was the eldest son of Charles II of Naples and Mary of Hungary. Following Mary's claim to the Hungarian throne, Charles inherited it after his father's death in 1295. Despite initial opposition and a provisional coronation, Charles solidified his reign through papal recognition in 1303 and eventual acceptance by the Hungarian nobility. His reign was characterized by struggles to centralize power and consolidate authority, marked by victories in battles such as Rozgony in 1312, though challenges persisted, notably in Croatia and Wallachia. Charles implemented administrative reforms, including the establishment of the Order of Saint George and the promotion of gold mining, which bolstered Hungary's economy. His diplomatic efforts at the Congress of Visegrád in 1335 facilitated peace and commerce, setting the stage for the successes of 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)

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