Obverse. Photo © Katz Auction
  • 2000 Forint 1998, KM# 731, Hungary, Old Balaton Ships, Phoenix
  • 2000 Forint 1998, KM# 731, Hungary, Old Balaton Ships, Phoenix
Description

On September 21, 1846, the Balaton Steam Navigation Company marked Count István Széchenyi's birthday by launching its paddlewheel steamship, the Kisfaludy, in Füred. Renovations in 1869 sustained its service until its retirement on September 21, 1887. Count Mihály Eszterházy and partners established a new shipping firm in 1888, unveiling the Baross in April 1891 and the Rohan in June 1890. Additional vessels, Kelén and Helka, were crafted in Siófok in 1891. The fleet grew with the Kisfaludy in 1909 and the Jókai in 1913, concluding the steamship era on Lake Balaton. World War II inflicted severe losses on the fleet, sparing only the Kelén and Tünde. In 1948, nationalization occurred, spurring the construction of larger ships like the 600-seat Beloiannisz in 1952. The introduction of 11 aluminum boats, dubbed "water buses," began in 1956. In 1963, coastal motorships Hévíz and Keszthely were repurposed for lake service. Ferry modernization and capacity expansion commenced in 1985, including the formation of a nostalgia fleet. The 170th navigation season in 2016 saw the launch of the renovated Siófok catamaran. The year also marked the 125th anniversary of the oldest active ships, Kelén and Helka, celebrated by BAHART (Balaton Shipping Corporation).

Engraver: István Bartos

Obverse

Depicts the sailing ship "Phoenix" afloat on the water, with its name situated below. The year of its launch is on the left, and the inscription "Old Balaton Ships" above.

Over two centuries ago, the Festetics family of Keszthely constructed the legendary Phoenix galley, the largest sailboat to grace Lake Balaton. With a length of 31.21 meters, it epitomized the family's recognition of the lake's economic potential, spurred by the bustling settlements and burgeoning trade opportunities following the expulsion of the Turks. Antonio Borri, renowned even at 31, oversaw the construction of the Phoenix, launched on July 15, 1797, and manned by a crew of 24 rowers, among others. Made of oak and capable of carrying 300,000 kilograms, it served as a vital cargo transporter between Balatonenese and Fenékpuszta, also accommodating passengers in a separate cabin. Despite contemporary accounts depicting its grandeur, the Phoenix's fate remains a mystery, with speculation surrounding its possible demise between 1827 and 1830.

RÉGI BALATONI HAJÓK
1797
Phoenix

Reverse

Depicts a serene scene from Lake Balaton, showcasing the silhouette of the Badacsony mountain in the background, with sailboats gracefully navigating the water. Positioned above the central motif is the country name (Hungarian Republic) in a semicircle. At the bottom, the denomination is followed by inscriptions arranged horizontally, including the year of issue and the mintmark (BP). The engraver's initials (BiP) are located on the right edge.

MAGYAR KÖZTÁRSASÁG
BiP
2000
FORINT
1998
BP.
BiP

Edge

2000 Forint

Third Republic
KM# 731 Schön# 236 Adamo# EM155
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)

Related coins

Third Republic, Helka & Kelén

Old Balaton Ships

Silver, 31.46 g, ⌀ 38.61 mm