Obverse. Photo © NumisCorner.com
  • 2000 Forint 1998, KM# 730, Hungary, World Wildlife Fund
  • 2000 Forint 1998, KM# 730, Hungary, World Wildlife Fund
Description

The World Wide Fund for Nature (WWF), a Swiss-based international non-governmental organization founded in 1961, focuses on wilderness preservation and reducing human impact on the environment. WWF is the world's largest conservation organization, boasting over five million supporters in over 100 countries and backing approximately 3,000 conservation projects, with investments exceeding $1 billion since 1995. Primarily funded by individuals, government sources, and corporations, WWF strives to halt environmental degradation and promote harmony between humans and nature. Noteworthy campaigns like Earth Hour and initiatives in areas like food, climate, and wildlife underscore their mission. Despite criticism over alleged corporate ties and controversial projects, WWF remains active in international networks like the Foundations Platform F20.

The concept of establishing a fund for endangered animals was formally presented by Victor Stolan to Sir Julian Huxley following articles Huxley published in The Observer. Huxley connected Stolan with Edward Max Nicholson, who had extensive experience bridging progressive intellectuals and corporate interests through the Political and Economic Planning think tank. Nicholson coined the organization's name, and the original panda logo was crafted by Sir Peter Scott. On April 29, 1961, the World Wildlife Fund (WWF) was conceived, with its inaugural office opening on September 11 at the International Union for Conservation of Nature (IUCN) headquarters in Morges, Switzerland.

Engraver: István Kósa

Obverse

Depicts at the center are two barn swallows nurturing their young. Below, the Latin words "Barn Swallow" are inscribed. On the right side, the engraver's mark (Ki) is displayed. Surrounding the central image is a string of pearls, with the phrase "Protect the nature!" inscribed in a quarter arc on the top left.

The barn swallow, a migratory bird found worldwide, is recognized by its distinctive long, deeply forked tail and colorful plumage. Typically nesting in barns or sheds, they lay 4-6 eggs per clutch and may raise multiple broods in a season. Known for their remarkable migratory journeys spanning thousands of miles between the Northern and Southern Hemispheres, barn swallows exhibit agile flight skills as they feed on flying insects mid-air. Revered for their graceful flight patterns, they symbolize summer in various cultures and contribute significantly to insect population control, making them beloved among birdwatchers and nature enthusiasts globally.

ÓVD A TERMÉSZETET!
Ki
HIRUNDO RUSTICA

Reverse

Depicts a detailed outline from the front panel, accompanied by the engraver's mark (Ki) on the right edge. Surrounding the central motif is a string of pearls, with an inscription in a semicircle at the top center. Below this, the official emblem of the World Wide Fund for Nature (WWF) is displayed. On the left side of the lower third, the coat of arms of the Republic of Hungary is depicted, followed by consecutive rows indicating the denomination, year of issue, and mint mark (BP) to its right.

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 KÖZTÁRSASÁG
WWF
Ki
2000
FORINT
1998 BP.

Edge

2000 Forint

Third Republic

World Wildlife Fund

KM# 730 Schön# 235 Adamo# EM154
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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