Obverse. Photo © Tóth Numizmatika
  • 2000 Forint 1998, KM# 733, Hungary, Integration into the European Union, Millennium Monument and the Heroes' Square
  • 2000 Forint 1998, KM# 733, Hungary, Integration into the European Union, Millennium Monument and the Heroes' Square
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).

Engraver: György Bognár

Obverse

Depicts a detail of the Millennium Monument located in Heroes' Square, Budapest. At the bottom, above the line that closes off the square, the engraver's surname is positioned to the right, and below the line, in the center, the inscription "EURO" is visible. The edge is adorned with a string of pearls, and text can be read in a semicircle at the top. In the center, the Euro currency symbol, surrounded by twelve stars, is placed.

Heroes' Square in Budapest serves as an emblem of the nation's vibrant history and cultural legacy. It pays tribute to significant personalities and events in Hungarian history through its grand architectural features and sculptures. Central to the square stands the Millennium Monument, constructed in 1896 to commemorate Hungary's thousand-year anniversary since the conquest of the Carpathian Basin. Atop the monument stands the Archangel Gabriel, holding the Hungarian Holy Crown and the apostolic double cross. Surrounding the monument are colonnades adorned with statues representing pivotal figures from Hungary's past, spanning from the establishment of the Hungarian state to the rule of monarchs and national leaders.

INTEGRÁCIÓ AZ EURÓPAI UNIÓBA
EURO

Reverse

Depicts the coat of arms of the Republic of Hungary, encircled by the country name above and the denomination below. The issuance year is divided and visible on both the left and right sides of the coat of arms. Along the edges of the coin, the mintmark is positioned 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.

MAGYAR KÖZTÁRSASÁG
19 98
2000
FORINT
BP.
BOGNÁR

Edge

2000 Forint

Third Republic

Integration into the European Union
Millennium Monument and the Heroes' Square

Subscribe series
KM# 733 Schön# 238 Adamo# EM157
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, Széchenyi Chain Bridge

Integration into the European Union

Silver, 31.46 g, ⌀ 38.61 mm
Third Republic, Fisherman's Bastion

Integration into the European Union

Silver, 31.46 g, ⌀ 38.61 mm
Third Republic, Parliament of Budapest

Integration into the European Union

Silver, 31.46 g, ⌀ 38.61 mm