Obverse. Photo © Hungarian Mint
  • 3000 Forint 2001, KM# 752, Hungary, 1000th Anniversary of Hungarian Coinage
  • 3000 Forint 2001, KM# 752, Hungary, 1000th Anniversary of Hungarian Coinage
Description

Hungarian coinage spans a millennium, evolving through distinct phases. Originating with early coins minted under King Stephen I during the Middle Ages, Hungary's numismatic journey began with coins resembling Byzantine and Western European currencies, adorned with Christian symbols and Latin inscriptions.

In the medieval era, Hungarian coinage thrived, mirroring the kingdom's cultural and political landscape. Rulers of the Árpád dynasty minted coins featuring monarchs, saints, and heraldic motifs, reflecting the kingdom's identity through designs and inscriptions in Latin and Hungarian.

The Renaissance and Baroque periods marked a "Golden Age" of Hungarian coinage, showcasing intricate designs and craftsmanship. The establishment of the Hungarian Mint in the late 15th century further elevated coin quality, reflecting artistic and cultural progress.

However, the 16th century brought changes as Hungary fell under Habsburg rule, integrating its coinage with Austrian traditions. Austrian mints began producing coins for Hungary, influencing design and production.

Modernization continued with the introduction of the forint in 1946, replacing previous currencies like the pengő. During communism, coins featured socialist symbols, but post-1989, designs embraced traditional Hungarian symbols, reflecting newfound freedom.

Engraver: György Kiss

Obverse

The Guldiner features the equestrian image of Saint Ladislaus from the reign of King Ladislaus II, accompanied by a Latin inscription. Encircling the coin is the inscription "Hungarian Coinage Millennium" arranged in a circular pattern, with a decorative line at the base.

The Latin phrase "SANCTVS LADISLAVS REX VNGARIE" translates to "Holy Ladislaus, King of Hungary."

Ladislaus I (c. 1040 – 1095), also known as Saint Ladislas, ruled as King of Hungary from 1077 and King of Croatia from 1091. Born around 1040 as the second son of King Béla I of Hungary and Richeza of Poland, Ladislaus and his brother Géza initially supported their cousin Solomon's reign. However, their relationship soured, leading to rebellion in the early 1070s. After Géza's death in 1077, Ladislaus became king, facing resistance from Solomon and King Henry IV of Germany during the Investiture Controversy. Despite Solomon's abdication in 1081, tensions persisted, leading to Ladislaus imprisoning him. Renowned for restoring public safety and expanding Hungarian territories, Ladislaus faced challenges from the Holy See regarding Croatia. Canonized in 1192, he is revered as a symbol of chivalry and remains a popular saint in Hungary and neighboring nations.

ezeréves a magyar pénzverés
SANCTVS LADISLAVS REX VNGARIE

Reverse

Depicts a square form with its corners intersected by lines, creating an octagonal shape. Inside, the denomination is displayed horizontally, with the country name (Hungarian Republic) positioned below. Each side of the shape features a semicircular element. Along the edge, a row of beads encircles the design, with an inscription visible within the rim. At the base, the mintmark (BP), year of issue, and engraver's privy mark are inscribed.

magyar köztársaság
3000
forint
BP. 2001 KYY

Edge

The intricately embossed pattern features the years "1001-2001" engraved in the recesses, accompanied by the mintmarks representing historical Hungarian minting sites — Budapest, Nagybánya, Körmöcbánya, Nagyszeben, Gyulafehérvár, Fogaras, Kolozsvár, Munkács, and Kassa — visible along the edges.

BP · NX · KB · HX · GY · F · AF · MM · C +

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 Coin
Mint
Budapest Mint (BP)

Related coins

Third Republic

1000th Anniversary of Hungarian Coinage

Gold, 6.982 g, ⌀ 22 mm