Obverse. Photo © Monetnik.ru
  • 2000 Forint 1998, KM# 727, Hungary, 150th Anniversary of Hungarian Revolution of 1848
  • 2000 Forint 1998, KM# 727, Hungary, 150th Anniversary of Hungarian Revolution of 1848
Description

The Hungarian Revolution of 1848, also referred to as the Hungarian Revolution and War of Independence of 1848–1849, was a pivotal event closely tied to the broader European Revolutions of 1848, particularly in the Habsburg regions. Despite its ultimate failure, it remains a defining moment in Hungary's modern history, shaping the nation's identity. The outbreak of the revolution on March 15th is celebrated as one of Hungary's three national holidays. In April 1848, Hungary enacted a democratic parliamentary election law, becoming the third country in Continental Europe to do so. This law transformed the feudal parliament into a representative body, granting extensive voting rights. However, tensions escalated when Austrian monarch Franz Joseph I revoked these laws arbitrarily, leading to conflict with the Hungarian parliament. The subsequent military intervention and defeat of Hungarian forces by a joint Russo-Austrian army restored Habsburg power and placed Hungary under martial law, marking a significant setback for Hungarian aspirations of independence.

Engraver: Ferenc Lebó

Obverse

Depicts the National Guards' flag and a map of Europe, represented by small flames denoting revolutionary sites. The years of the Revolution are displayed in two rows to the left of the flagpole, while the engraver's name is situated on the right.

1848
1849
LEBÓ F

Reverse

Depicts the temporary I class of the Hungarian Military Merit Order of 1848-49, featuring an eight-pointed star adorned with a laurel wreath and double cross at its center. Positioned above is the country name (Hungarian Republic), presented in a semicircular form. In the lower third, consecutive rows exhibit the denomination, mint mark, year of issue, and the engraver's name.

In the autumn of 1848, the National Defense Committee formulated a plan for a Hungarian Military Merit Order family, which came into effect on March 2, 1849. Owing to wartime conditions, only provisional medals were initially conferred, with the intention of replacing them with more intricate ones later. The third tier of the decoration swiftly gained popularity, becoming a widespread honor; both high-ranking officers and ordinary soldiers proudly wore the silver wreath adorned with a red ribbon. Units demonstrating exceptional valor were collectively bestowed with the decoration, which they proudly affixed to their banners. The star of the first class was awarded to Arthur Görgey for the recapture of Buda Castle, while József Bem received it for the liberation of Transylvania.

MAGYAR KÖZTÁRSASÁG
2000 FORINT
BP.1998
LEBÓ F

Edge

150 reeds

2000 Forint

Third Republic
KM# 727 Schön# 232 Adamo# EM151
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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