Obverse. Photo © Monetnik.ru
  • 200 Forint 2001, KM# 756, Hungary, Children's Literature, Toldi by János Arany
  • 200 Forint 2001, KM# 756, Hungary, Children's Literature, Toldi by János Arany
Description

Children's literature encompasses literary works crafted for young, yet developing audiences, with the intention of meeting their needs while also introducing them to more complex literary pieces. In a broader context, the realm of children's and young adult literature extends to informative texts and science fiction, which straddle the line between entertainment and education.

An intriguing aspect of young adult literature is its dual nature: many works originally intended for adults have found a place within young adult literature today (such as "Gulliver's Travels" or Verne's utopian novels), while conversely, numerous works initially aimed at young adults have transitioned into the realm of serious literary recognition (for instance, Lewis Carroll's "Alice's Adventures in Wonderland").

The significance of literature targeted solely at children emerged predominantly in the latter part of the 19th century. Prior to this period, literary creations were primarily geared toward adult readers. However, notable exceptions include the collections of tales by János Arany and Elek Benedek (commencing in 1862 and 1885, respectively), which marked the inception of independent children's literature. Even Sándor Petőfi's narrative poem, "János vitéz" (1844), was crafted for adult audiences. Hungarian children's literature boasts timeless masterpieces such as Sándor Petőfi's "Arany Lacinak," Attila József's "Lullaby," János Arany's "Toldi," and Ferenc Molnár's "Pál utcai fiúk."

Engraver: László Szlávics Jr.

Obverse

Depicts Miklós Toldi dressed in armor, kicking his boat back from the shore before the decisive battle. Along the edge, in a semicircle, the inscription "JÁNOS ARANY: TOLDI" is readable.

János Arany's introduction to the legendary figure of Miklós Toldi began in his native village, where he first heard tales of the renowned hero. Subsequently, he encountered Péter Ilosvai Selymes's rendition of the story, published in 1574, which served as a significant source of inspiration. The reception of "Toldi" within literary circles was overwhelmingly positive, earning Arany not only a prestigious literary prize (whose value was increased from fifteen to twenty gold coins in 1847 due to the exceptional quality of the work) but also the admiration of critics. This sudden acclaim propelled Arany to prominence as a celebrated poet, leading to his election as a member of the Kisfaludy Society the following year.

Arany viewed "Toldi" as a manifestation of folk poetry, a genre that seamlessly blends romanticism and realism. Within the narrative, characters are depicted with depth, exploring their inner psychological landscapes. The Prelude, while distinct from the main text, frames the story within a lyrical context, underscoring the poet's personal connection to the Toldi legend, which was deeply ingrained in the local folklore of Szalonta and its surroundings.

The rich tapestry of the Toldi legend draws from various sources, including the stories passed down in Arany's hometown and the chronicle penned by Péter Ilosvai Selymes, titled "The Story of the Famous and Notable Deeds and Feats of Miklós Toldi," along with other legends surrounding King Louis the Great.

ARANY JÁNOS: TOLDI

Reverse

Depicts the denomination, year of issue, mint mark (BP), and the engraver's initials. Along the edge, a circular inscription of the country's name (Hungarian Republic) is visible.

MAGYAR KÖZTÁRSASÁG
200 Forint
2001
BP.
iSZ

Edge

200 Forint

Third Republic
KM# 756 Adamo# EM173
Characteristics
Type Commemorative Issue (Non-circulating)
Material Brass
Weight 9.4 g
Diameter 29.2 mm
Thickness 2 mm
Shape round
Alignment Medal
Mint
Budapest Mint (BP)

Related coins

Third Republic, Lúdas Matyi by Mihály Fazekas

Children's Literature

Brass, 9.4 g, ⌀ 29.2 mm
Third Republic, János Vitéz by Sándor Petőfi

Children's Literature

Brass, 9.4 g, ⌀ 29.2 mm
Third Republic, Boys from Pál Street by Ferenc Molnár

Children's Literature

Brass, 9.4 g, ⌀ 29.2 mm