Obverse. Photo © NumisCorner.com
  • 500 Forint 1991, KM# 683, Hungary, Pope John Paul II's Visit to Hungary
  • 500 Forint 1991, KM# 683, Hungary, Pope John Paul II's Visit to Hungary
Description

Pope Saint John Paul II, born Karol Józef Wojtyła (1920–2005), served as Pope from 1978 to 2005. He was one of the most travelled world leaders in history, visiting 129 countries during his pontificate. As part of his special emphasis on the universal call to holiness, he beatified 1,340 people and canonised 483 saints, more than the combined tally of his predecessors during the preceding five centuries. He was the second longest-serving pope in modern history after Pope Pius IX, who served for nearly 32 years.

St. John Paul II made a historic visit to Hungary in September 1991, marking the first papal visit since 1971. During his trip, he met with Hungarian leaders, held mass for thousands, and emphasized themes of freedom and human rights. His visit symbolized hope during Hungary's transition from communism to democracy, leaving a lasting impact on the country's people.

Obverse

Depicts the Pope in pontifical vestments, holding a papal ferula in his left hand while raising his right hand in blessing, with the Millennium Monument on the background, surrounded by the inscription "John Paul II in Hungary", the engraver's name below.

Heroes' Square in Budapest serves as an emblem of the nation's vibrant history and cultural legacy. It pays tribute to significant personalities and events in Hungarian history through its grand architectural features and sculptures. Central to the square stands the Millennium Monument, constructed in 1896 to commemorate Hungary's thousand-year anniversary since the conquest of the Carpathian Basin. Atop the monument stands the Archangel Gabriel, holding the Hungarian Holy Crown and the apostolic double cross. Surrounding the monument are colonnades adorned with statues representing pivotal figures from Hungary's past, spanning from the establishment of the Hungarian state to the rule of monarchs and national leaders.

Engraver: Ferenc Lebó

JOANNES PAVLVS II. P. M. IN HVNGARIA
LEBÓ F

Reverse

Depicts the Hungarian coat of arms, surrounded by a pearled circle and dividing the issue year and the mintmark (BP). Around the circle, the country name (Hungarian Republic) and denomination. The engraver's initials in a small pearl circle.

The Hungarian coat of arms, adopted in 1919 and reaffirmed on July 3, 1990, features a vertically divided shield with a rounded base. The left field displays eight red and silver horizontal bars, symbolizing the Árpád dynasty, while the right field depicts three green hills with a golden crown on the center hill and a silver patriarchal cross emerging from it. These elements represent the Danube, Tisza, Dráva, and Száva rivers, and the Tátra, Mátra, and Fátra mountain ranges. Atop the shield rests the Holy Crown of Hungary, also known as the Crown of Saint Stephen, which has been used for coronations since the 12th century. The crown's cross was tilted in the 17th century due to damage, and it has remained in this position since then, symbolizing the enduring history and legitimacy of Hungarian monarchs.

Engraver: Sándor Tóth

500 FORINT MAGYAR KÖZTÁRSASÁG
TS
1991
B P.

Edge

500 Forint

Third Republic
KM# 683 Schön# 190 Adamo# EM120
Characteristics
Type Commemorative Issue (Non-circulating)
Material Silver
Fineness 0.900
Weight 28 g
Diameter 40 mm
Thickness 2.7 mm
Shape round
Alignment Medal
Mint
Budapest Mint (BP)

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