Obverse. Photo © Hungarian Mint
  • 2000 Forint 1999, KM# 743, Hungary, Third Millennium
  • 2000 Forint 1999, KM# 743, Hungary, Third Millennium
Description

Engraver: István Kósa

Obverse

Depicts a male figure reminiscent of Rodin's "The Thinker," with a symbolic representation of the Solar System. The contour of the male figure is repeated three times in a shadow-like manner.

The Thinker (French: Le Penseur) is a bronze sculpture crafted by Auguste Rodin, typically placed atop a stone pedestal. It portrays a nude male figure, larger than life-size, seated on a rock with his chin resting on one hand, appearing deeply absorbed in thought. Often regarded as a symbol of philosophy, it has become an iconic representation of contemplation.

Originally titled The Poet (French: Le Poète), The Thinker was initially conceived as part of a larger commission in 1880 for a doorway adornment known as The Gates of Hell. Inspired by Dante's Divine Comedy, most of the figures in the project represented characters from the epic poem. Foundry workers first dubbed this particular figure The Thinker, noting its resemblance to Michelangelo's statue of Lorenzo de Medici, "Il Penseroso" (The Thinker). Rodin later decided to treat it as an independent piece, scaling it up in size. The sculpture was intended to be viewed from below and is typically displayed on a relatively tall pedestal, although the specific heights chosen by different owners can vary significantly.

Reverse

The coat of arms of the Republic of Hungary is depicted, with the year of issue divided on its left and right sides. Below the coat of arms, the denomination and the inscription "FORINT" are visible in two rows. At the bottom left, the mint mark is displayed, while in the center, within a rectangular hologram field, the years "1999" and "2000" are shown. On the right side, the engraver's privy mark can be seen. At the top, the country name (Hungarian Republic) is visible in a semi-circular arrangement.

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 99
2000
FORINT
BP. 1999 Ki

Edge

2000 Forint

Third Republic
KM# 743 Schön# 245 Adamo# EM163
Characteristics
Type Commemorative Issue (Non-circulating)
Material Silver
Fineness 0.925
Weight 20 g
Diameter 34 mm
Thickness 2.9 mm
Shape polygon
Sides 7
Alignment Medal
Mint
Budapest Mint (BP)

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