Obverse. Photo © NumisCorner.com
  • 1000 Forint 1995, KM# 720, Hungary, Integration into the European Union, Parliament of Budapest
  • 1000 Forint 1995, KM# 720, Hungary, Integration into the European Union, Parliament of Budapest
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.

Obverse

Depicts the Hungarian Parliament building, featuring its dome encircled by twelve stars representing the EU, alongside the inscription "Integration to the European Union". Below the building, the lowercase inscription "ECU" is displayed, and at the center underneath, the engraver's initials are positioned.

The Hungarian Parliament building, also called the Parliament of Budapest due to its location, serves as the seat of the National Assembly of Hungary and stands as a prominent landmark and tourist attraction in Budapest. Designed by Hungarian architect Imre Steindl in the neo-Gothic style, it was completed in 1902 and remains the largest building in Hungary. The decision to construct the building was made by the Diet seven years after the unification of Buda, Óbuda, and Pest in 1873, signifying the nation's sovereignty. Steindl's design, chosen through an international competition, was influenced by the Palace of Westminster in London, reflecting Hungary's aspiration for Western European ideals. Construction began in 1885 and concluded in 1904, involving approximately 100,000 workers and utilizing vast quantities of materials. Since World War II, the building has housed a unicameral legislature, with only a portion of it being utilized by the government.

Engraver: István Bartos

INTEGRÁCIÓ AZ EURÓPAI UNIÓBA
e.c.u.
BiP.

Reverse

Depicts slightly above the center is the coat of arms of the Republic of Hungary, with the denomination below it, followed by the curved inscription "FORINT" underneath. The country name (Hungarian Republic) is positioned above. The issuance year is divided and visible on the left and right sides of the coat of arms. Along the edges of the coin, the mintmark (BP) is situated on the left side, while the designer's surname is located 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.

Engraver: György Bognár

MAGYAR KÖZTÁRSASÁG
19 95
1000
FORINT
BP.
BOGNÁR

Edge

150 reeds

1000 Forint

Third Republic
KM# 720 Schön# 222 Adamo# EM145
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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