Obverse. Photo © Katz Auction
  • 1000 Forint 1995, KM# 714, Hungary, Old Danube Ships, Hableány
  • 1000 Forint 1995, KM# 714, Hungary, Old Danube Ships, Hableány
Description

Constructed in 1867 by Count Ödön Széchenyi, the paddle-wheel river luxury steamship "Hableány" voyaged from Budapest to Paris, garnering attention at the 1867 Paris World Exhibition. Adolf Höcher devised the yacht's plans, and after extensive preparation, the count ordered its construction at the Hartmann József shipyard in Újpest. Designed with just 6 horsepower intentionally for the exhibition, it caught the eye of Jules Verne upon its arrival in Paris, inspiring his novel "The Danube Navigator." Sold to French photographer Nadar after the exhibition, it later served as a warship during the Franco-Prussian War and ultimately sank in 1874 due to a boiler explosion while operating as a passenger ship on the Rhine under Prussian control.

Engraver: Mihály Fritz

Obverse

Depicts the inaugural Hungarian Danube steamboat, the "HABLEÁNY." Positioned near the left side of the ship are the visible details of its launch year and name. Positioned at the top left corner is an ornate frame displaying the title of the coin series, "Old Danube Ships," presented in three lines.

Régi
Dunai
Hajók
1867
HABLEÁNY

Reverse

Depicts at the center the coat of arms of the Republic of Hungary, below which is the denomination. The last letter of the word "FORINT" is depicted in the shape of an anchor. Aligned with the inscription, on the left side, the mintmark "BP" is positioned, beneath which is the year of issue, and on the same line, on the right side, are the initials "FM" representing the designer's name.

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
1000
Forint
BP.
1995
FM
KÖZTÁRSASÁG

Edge

1000 Forint

Third Republic
KM# 714 Schön# 219 Adamo# EM139
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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