Obverse. Photo © Monetarium Numizmatika
  • 20 000 Forint 1999, KM# 742, Hungary, 1000th Anniversary of the Hungarian Kingdom
  • 20 000 Forint 1999, KM# 742, 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.

Obverse

Depicts the Hungarian Holy Crown. An inscription is visible in a circular arrangement on the outer part.

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.

AZ ÁLLAMALAPÍTÁS 1000. ÉVFORDULÓJA

Reverse

Depicts a square enamel depiction of Archangel Saint Michael, inspired by the Holy Crown, with the denomination above and a horizontal inscription below, arranged in three rows, indicating the year of release and the mint mark (BP). The name of the country (Hungarian Republic) forms a circular arrangement on the outer edge. Two small circular forms separate the two parts of the inscription, with the engraver's personal mark visible on the right side.

St. Michael is an archangel esteemed in Christian, Jewish, and Islamic traditions. Within Christianity, he holds a significant role as an angelic figure, often depicted as a guardian and combatant against malevolent forces. Michael is prominently featured in the Old Testament, particularly in the Book of Daniel and the Book of Revelation, where he leads heavenly armies against adversarial powers.

As a defender of the Church, St. Michael represents the struggle against spiritual darkness, typically portrayed wielding a sword or spear. He is linked with the task of weighing souls during judgment and guiding departed spirits to their afterlife. Across history, he has remained a enduring symbol of strength, safeguard, and divine righteousness.

MAGYAR
20000
FORINT
1999
BP.
KÖZTÁRSASÁG

Edge

20 000 Forint

Third Republic
KM# 742 Schön# 242 Adamo# EM161
Characteristics
Type Commemorative Issue (Non-circulating)
Material Gold
Fineness 0.986
Weight 6.982 g
Diameter 22 mm
Thickness 1.1 mm
Shape round
Alignment Medal
Mint
Budapest Mint (BP)

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Third Republic

1000th Anniversary of the Hungarian Kingdom

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