Obverse. Photo © NumisCorner.com
  • 500 Forint 1993, KM# 704, Hungary, Integration into the European Union, Széchenyi Chain Bridge
  • 500 Forint 1993, KM# 704, Hungary, Integration into the European Union, Széchenyi Chain Bridge
Description

The Hungarian integration into the European Union or the European community is a significant step towards political, economic, and cultural cohesion for the country. Before Hungary's accession to the EU, European integration was determined as a long-term goal, and accordingly, the country is committed to supporting European values and norms.

The ECU, standing for European Currency Unit, served as a precursor to the euro, the unified currency adopted by numerous European Union member states. Established in 1979, it functioned as a standardized unit of account within the framework of the European Monetary System (EMS). Essentially, the ECU acted as a reference point for exchange rates among European currencies and was primarily used for accounting purposes. Integral to the development of the euro, the ECU provided the foundational structure for the exchange rate mechanism (ERM) within the EMS. With the introduction of physical euro currency in 1999, several countries previously tied to the ECU transitioned to adopting the euro as their official currency.

ECU played a pivotal role in advancing European monetary integration, paving the way for the eventual establishment of the euro as a common currency across much of the European Union.

Engraver: György Bognár

Obverse

The coin features an image of the Széchenyi Chain Bridge connecting Hungary to the European Community, depicted in a map-like style. In the upper portion, intersecting lines representing longitude and latitude are visible. In the middle, there's a borderless map-like depiction of the European Community countries. Below, curved inscriptions are written in lowercase letters. Twelve stars, symbolizing the member states of the European Community, are evenly spaced in a circle. Above, the text "Integration to the European Union" is curved.

The Széchenyi Chain Bridge, known as Széchenyi lánchíd in Hungarian, spans the River Danube, connecting Buda and Pest, the two sides of Budapest, Hungary's capital city. Designed by English engineer William Tierney Clark and constructed by Scottish engineer Adam Clark, it holds the distinction of being Hungary's first permanent bridge over the Danube. Completed in 1849, the bridge is anchored on the Pest side to Széchenyi Square and on the Buda side to Adam Clark Square. Named after István Széchenyi, a key supporter of its construction, it is commonly referred to as the "Chain Bridge" due to its chain-link design. Renowned as a marvel of modern engineering upon its completion, the bridge's decorations are crafted from cast iron.

INTEGRÁCIÓ AZ EURÓPAI KÖZÖSSÉGBE
e.c.u.
MAGYARORSZÁG

Reverse

Depicts slightly above the center the coat of arms of the Republic of Hungary, below which is the denomination, followed by the curved inscription "FORINT" beneath it. The issuance year is divided and visible on the left and right sides of the coat of arms. Positioned along the edges of the coin, the mintmark is on the left side, while the designer's surname is placed on the right side.

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
19 93
500
FORINT
BP.

Edge

500 Forint

Third Republic
KM# 704 Schön# 208 Adamo# EM130
Characteristics
Type Commemorative Issue (Non-circulating)
Material Silver
Fineness 0.925
Weight 31.46 g
Diameter 38.61 mm
Thickness 3 mm
Shape round
Alignment Medal
Mint
Budapest Mint (BP)

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