Obverse. Photo © Tóth Numizmatika
  • 20 000 Forint 1998, KM# 728, Hungary, 150th Anniversary of Hungarian Revolution of 1848
  • 20 000 Forint 1998, KM# 728, 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 portrait of Lajos Batthyány, surrounded by his name and years of his life.

Count Lajos Batthyány de Németújvár (1807–1849) served as Hungary's inaugural Prime Minister and hailed from a noble family, born in Pozsony (now Bratislava) on February 10, 1807. Executed by firing squad in Pest on October 6, 1849, he met the same fate as the 13 Martyrs of Arad.

Emerging as a key figure in Hungarian politics during the lead-up to and amidst the Hungarian Revolution of 1848, Batthyány initially pursued a military path before transitioning to advocacy for Hungarian autonomy within the Austrian Empire. Elected to the Hungarian Diet in 1847, he became a prominent voice for reform. Appointed by Lajos Kossuth as Hungary's inaugural Prime Minister during the revolution, Batthyány championed modernization efforts, including the abolition of serfdom and the establishment of a national guard. However, tensions with Austrian authorities culminated in his resignation in December 1848. Subsequently arrested on charges of treason, Batthyány faced a swift trial and was executed in March 1849, cementing his status as a martyr of the revolution.

BATTHYÁNY LAJOS 1806-1849

Reverse

Depicts the temporary III. class of the Hungarian Military Merit Order of 1848-49 with a circular laurel wreath. Above, inscription in a semicircular shape. In the lower third, consecutive rows display the denomination, mint mark, year of issue, and the designer's master mark.

Depicts the temporary III class of the Hungarian Military Merit Order of 1848-49, featuring a circular laurel wreath. 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
20000 FORINT
BP. 1998
LEBÓ F

Edge

20 000 Forint

Third Republic
KM# 728 Schön# 233 Adamo# EM152
Characteristics
Type Commemorative Issue (Non-circulating)
Material Gold
Fineness 0.986
Weight 6.982 g
Diameter 22 mm
Thickness 1.1 mm
Shape round
Alignment Medal
Mint
Budapest Mint (BP)

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