Obverse. Photo © Tóth Numizmatika
  • 3000 Forint 1999, KM# 741, Hungary, 1000th Anniversary of the Hungarian Kingdom
  • 3000 Forint 1999, KM# 741, Hungary, 1000th Anniversary of the Hungarian Kingdom
Description

Saint Stephen is often credited with the foundation of the Hungarian Kingdom, yet it was his father, Prince Géza, who laid the groundwork for centralized princely authority and the adoption of Christianity. Géza's political astuteness became evident in navigating Hungary's position between the Holy Roman Empire and the Byzantine Empire. Recognizing the importance of peaceful coexistence and embracing Christianity to ensure Hungary's survival amidst powerful Christian states, Géza employed diplomatic and coercive tactics to strengthen his rule and promote the new faith. He cultivated alliances with German states and sought Emperor Otto's support for conversion efforts.

Simultaneously, Géza strategically arranged marriages for his daughters to secure external peace and consolidate dynastic power. After Géza's passing, his son, Stephen I, faced challenges from rival claimants, notably Koppány of Somogy, whom he defeated in a decisive battle. Stephen's coronation, facilitated by Emperor Otto III and Pope Sylvester II, marked Hungary's formal entry into the realm of Christian monarchs. This event symbolized both secular and ecclesiastical authority, empowering Stephen to organize the Hungarian church, strengthen his reign, and establish a modern, stable Christian nation. Thus, the reign of Saint Stephen represented a pivotal moment in Hungary's journey towards Christianization and statehood.

Engraver: István Holló

Obverse

Depicts the distinctive rose window of the chapel in Esztergom Castle on the gilded part. An inscription in a circular arrangement "1000th anniversary of the State Foundation" is visible on the outer part, with a background pattern resembling bricks.

The rose window or rosette is a large, spoke-shaped window located above the main entrance, less often above the side entrances, in Romanesque and Gothic churches. Its structure became more and more complicated in the Gothic period, and it was equipped with a master's degree. It was one of the most characteristic and decorative architectural solutions of the Gothic period.

AZ ÁLLAMALAPÍTÁS 1000. ÉVFORDULÓJA

Reverse

Depicts the Holy Crown on the inner, gilded part, with the denomination and the inscription "FORINT" visible below it in two horizontal rows. The outer part features the country name (Hungarian Republic) in a circular arrangement. At the bottom of the circular inscription, in the center, horizontally arranged in three rows, are the year of issue, the mint mark (BP), and the engraver's privy mark.

The Hungarian Holy Crown is one of Europe's oldest crowns still intact today, serving as a symbol of Hungarian statehood since at least the 12th century. Possession of the crown held significant advantage during power struggles for the throne. Rooted in the doctrine of the Holy Crown, Hungarian state law evolved around its symbolic function, serving as the foundation of Hungarian constitutionalism until the end of World War II. According to tradition, King István I offered Hungary to the Virgin Mary through the Holy Crown before his death in 1038, initiating its role as a symbol of Hungarian statehood.

Scientific research indicates that the Holy Crown is a fusion of two distinct objects: the "Greek crown" and the "Latin crown," possibly assembled during the reign of Béla III. Despite ongoing debate about its origins, the Holy Crown's significance is underscored by customary law, which mandates that only kings crowned with it, under specific conditions, can rule Hungary legitimately. Made of gold, adorned with enamel pictures, pearls, and precious stones, the crown stands at 127 mm tall, featuring intricate decorations and inscriptions in Latin.

MAGYAR KÖZTÁRSASÁG
3000
FORINT
1999
BP.

Edge

MILLENNIUM

3000 Forint

Third Republic
KM# 741 Schön# 241 Adamo# EM160
Characteristics
Type Commemorative Issue (Non-circulating)
Material Bi-Metallic
Ring Silver
Center Gold Plated Silver
Weight 31.46 g
Diameter 38.61 mm
Thickness 3 mm
Shape round
Alignment Medal
Mint
Budapest Mint (BP)

Related coins

Third Republic

1000th Anniversary of the Hungarian Kingdom

Gold, 6.982 g, ⌀ 22 mm