Obverse. Photo © NumisCorner.com
  • 5000 Forint 2004, KM# 778, Hungary, UNESCO World Heritage, Early Christian Necropolis of Pécs
  • 5000 Forint 2004, KM# 778, Hungary, UNESCO World Heritage, Early Christian Necropolis of Pécs
Description

UNESCO World Heritage refers to sites, landmarks, or areas that are recognized by the United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization (UNESCO) for their outstanding cultural, historical, scientific, or natural significance. These sites are considered important to humanity as a whole, and their preservation is deemed crucial. UNESCO World Heritage sites can include a wide range of places, such as natural landscapes, cultural monuments, historic cities, archaeological sites, or ecological reserves. As of my last update in January 2022, there were over 1,100 sites around the world designated as UNESCO World Heritage sites, including iconic landmarks like the Great Wall of China, Machu Picchu, and the Taj Mahal. These sites often attract tourists from all over the world and contribute to the cultural and economic development of their respective regions.

Engraver: László Szlávics Jr.

Obverse

Depicts the jug-shaped chamber tomb of the Early Christian Necropolis of Pécs. On the right side, the engraver's privy mark is located. On the upper left edge, there is an inscription "Early Christian Necropolis of Pécs" in a circular format.

Located in the northwestern part of downtown Pécs near the Pécs Cathedral, the archaeological exhibition site known as the "Pécs Early Christian Burial Chambers" is a necropolis dating back to the 4th century, where the early Christian inhabitants of the Roman city of Sopianae were laid to rest. This collection of findings holds a significant place among Hungary's archaeological treasures due to its universal importance.

The systematic research and partial reconstruction of the excavated underground burial chambers (hypogea) and building remains were carried out in the first half of the 20th century, primarily thanks to the efforts of Ferenc Fülep since the 1960s. Over the years, archaeologists uncovered 16 burial chambers, several hundred graves, and thousands of late Roman artifacts buried within them.

Notable discoveries include the Peter-Paul burial chamber, found in 1782 and still intact today, and the uniquely octagonal burial chamber unearthed in 2000. The walls of these chambers feature figurative and ornamental wall paintings comparable to those found in the catacombs of Rome, depicting early Christian symbols, biblical scenes, and the Christ monogram.

Recognizing its cultural significance, the early Christian burial chambers of Pécs were designated a UNESCO World Heritage Site on November 30, 2000.

PÉCSI ÓKERESZTÉNY SÍRKAMRÁK
iSZ

Reverse

Depicts a bronze decorative object with a christogram surrounded by the country name (Hungarian Republic) along with the year of issue, the engraver's privy mark, and the mint mark (BP). Positioned horizontally in the upper left corner is the denomination.

A Christogram combines letters symbolizing Jesus Christ's name. These symbols have been widely used in Christianity since ancient times. They're often seen as abbreviations for "Christ" or "Jesus" in various languages and scripts.

MAGYAR KÖZTÁRSASÁG BP. 2004 iSZ
5000
FORINT

Edge

5000 Forint

Third Republic

UNESCO World Heritage
Early Christian Necropolis of Pécs

Subscribe series
KM# 778 Adamo# EM193
Characteristics
Type Commemorative Issue (Non-circulating)
Material Silver
Fineness 0.925
Weight 31.33 g
Diameter 38.61 mm
Thickness 3 mm
Shape round
Alignment Medal
Mint
Budapest Mint (BP)

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