Obverse. Photo © Katz Auction
  • 200 Forint 1992, KM# 688, Hungary, Endangered Wildlife, White Storks
  • 200 Forint 1992, KM# 688, Hungary, Endangered Wildlife, White Storks
Description

The plight of the white stork reflects both human-induced environmental changes and conservation endeavors. Once a common sight nesting on chimneys and poles, habitat loss due to agricultural intensification and wetland drainage, coupled with pesticide use reducing prey availability, led to a decline in populations, notably in Hungary where the species became endangered. Conservation efforts, such as habitat restoration, protected area establishment, and awareness campaigns, have been implemented to safeguard this culturally significant bird.

Engraver: István Kósa

Obverse

Depicts a pair of storks in their nest, with the stork on the right displaying a clattering posture. Surrounding the coin's border are Morse code S.O.S. signals, with the inscription "ENDANGERED WILDLIFE" at the top.

SOS, a universally recognized Morse code distress signal (▄ ▄ ▄ ▄▄▄ ▄▄▄ ▄▄▄ ▄ ▄ ▄), originated for maritime use. Its sequence of three dots and dashes without spaces represents "S" and "O". Despite equivalent sequences like IWB, VZE, 3B, and V7, SOS is preferred due to its simplicity.

Initially, SOS was simply a Morse code sequence, not an abbreviation. Over time, it became associated with phrases like "Save Our Souls" and "Save Our Ship" due to its emergency usage. SOS was first introduced in German maritime regulations in 1905 and became globally standardized in 1908.

While SOS was the maritime distress signal until 1999, it remains a universal distress signal applicable to any emergency situation. It can be conveyed visually through light flashes or spelled out in various ways, including stamped in snow or formed with logs. Its ambigram nature allows for easy recognition upside down or right side up.

VESZÉLYEZTETETT ÁLLATVILÁG

Reverse

Depicts a globe covered with small continuously written "S.O.S." letters, representing the continents. Nestled into the lower part of the globe is the coat of arms of the Republic of Hungary, with the issuance year, curved to the left and the mint mark to the right, along with the designer's initials. Along the edge of the coin, within a border formed by Morse code S.O.S. signals.

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.

MAGYAR KÖZTÁRSASÁG
SOS
1992 BP. Ki
· 200 FORINT ·

Edge

200 Forint

Third Republic
KM# 688 Schön# 196 Adamo# EM126
Characteristics
Type Commemorative Issue (Non-circulating)
Material Silver
Fineness 0.500
Weight 10 g
Diameter 30 mm
Thickness 1.9 mm
Shape round
Alignment Medal
Mint
Budapest Mint (BP)

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