Obverse. Photo © MA-SHOPS
  • 3000 Forint 1999, KM# 735, Hungary, Integration into the European Union, St. Gellért Colonnade
  • 3000 Forint 1999, KM# 735, Hungary, Integration into the European Union, St. Gellért Colonnade
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).

Obverse

Depicts a close-up of the Saint Gellért Monument's column, featuring the statue of Saint Gellért on the right side, holding a cross in his raised right hand. In the upper left corner, the euro currency symbol surrounded by twelve stars can be seen. Curved along the top edge is the text "Integration into the European Union."

Bishop St. Gellért, also known as Saint Gerard Sagredo, was a Hungarian martyr of the 10th and 11th centuries, pivotal in spreading Christianity during Hungary's Christianization. Born in Venice, Italy, he later became Bishop of Csanád, renowned for his devoutness and efforts in evangelization. Despite facing resistance from pagan adherents, he persisted in preaching Christianity. He met his martyrdom around 1046 during a pagan uprising, with varying accounts suggesting he was either beaten to death or rolled down a hill in a barrel into the Danube River. St. Gellért, canonized as a saint, is revered in Hungarian Christian history, with his feast day observed on September 24th. Many Hungarian churches and landmarks, including Budapest's St. Gellért Hill, honor his memory.

Engraver: István Kósa

INTEGRÁCIÓ AZ EURÓPAI UNIÓBA

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 engraver'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.

Engraver: Gábor Gáti

MAGYAR KÖZTÁRSASÁG
3000
FORINT
1999
BP.
G.G

Edge

3000 Forint

Third Republic
KM# 735 Schön# 240 Adamo# EM159
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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