Obverse. Photo © NumisCorner.com
  • 2000 Forint 1997, KM# 724, Hungary, Integration into the European Union, Royal Palace
  • 2000 Forint 1997, KM# 724, Hungary, Integration into the European Union, Royal Palace
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.

Since 2003, the Hungarian government has entertained plans to transition from the Hungarian forint to the euro. However, no target date has been set, and the forint remains outside the European Exchange Rate Mechanism (ERM II).

Obverse

Depicts a panoramic vista of the Royal Palace of Budapest atop Buda Hills. Positioned above the central image is an inscription "Integration into the European Union" in a semicircle. To the right, the Euro symbol is depicted, encircled by twelve stars representing the European Union.

Construction of the Gothic-style royal palace commenced in the mid-1300s and extended until the late 1400s, spanning the reigns of Hungarian monarchs Louis the Great, Sigismund, and Matthias Corvinus. Initially a regal abode, it underwent continuous expansion and adornment. However, deterioration ensued from 1541 during the Turkish occupation, with further damage sustained during the siege and recapture of 1686, affecting the entire Castle District. Subsequent restoration predominantly embraced Baroque elements while conserving fragments of Gothic and Renaissance styles. A smaller Baroque castle annexed the palace in 1715, and in the late 19th century, architects Miklós Ybl and Alajos Hauszmann augmented its size with a rear wing. Notably, the Maria Theresa Wing's façade overlooking the Danube was augmented during this period, acquiring a Baroque and Neo-Baroque dome. The palace presently houses the National Széchényi Library, the Hungarian National Gallery, and the Budapest Historical Museum, contributing to its UNESCO World Heritage Site status within Budapest's Buda Castle District since 1987.

Engraver: József Török, József Kolontai

INTEGRÁCIÓ AZ EURÓPAI UNIÓBA
EURO

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.

Engraver: György Bognár

MAGYAR KÖZTÁRSASÁG
19 97
2000
FORINT
BP.
BOGNÁR

Edge

150 reeds

2000 Forint

Third Republic
KM# 724 Schön# 228 Adamo# EM147
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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