Obverse. Photo © NumisCorner.com
  • 50 Forint 2006, KM# 789, Hungary, 50th Anniversary of the National Revolution of 1956
  • 50 Forint 2006, KM# 789, Hungary, 50th Anniversary of the National Revolution of 1956
  • 50 Forint 2006, KM# 789, Hungary, 50th Anniversary of the National Revolution of 1956, A first-day mint package
Description

The Hungarian Revolution of 1956 was a defining moment in Hungary's history. It started as a student demonstration on October 23, 1956, in Budapest, demanding political reforms and the withdrawal of Soviet troops from Hungary. The movement quickly escalated into a nationwide uprising against the Soviet-backed government of Hungary.

The revolutionaries, consisting of students, workers, and intellectuals, formed militias and fought against the Soviet forces and the Hungarian secret police. They managed to seize control of Budapest and other parts of the country, and for a brief period, it seemed that the Hungarian people might succeed in achieving their goals of independence and democracy.

However, the Soviet Union, under the leadership of Nikita Khrushchev, intervened militarily on November 4, 1956. Soviet tanks rolled into Budapest, crushing the revolution and restoring control to the Hungarian government. Thousands were killed, and many more were injured or imprisoned during the brutal suppression of the uprising.

The Hungarian Revolution ultimately failed to achieve its immediate goals, but it had significant long-term consequences. It demonstrated the desire of the Hungarian people for freedom and independence and exposed the brutality of the Soviet regime. The events of 1956 also inspired resistance movements in other Eastern Bloc countries and led to a reevaluation of Soviet policies both domestically and internationally.

Obverse

The Hungarian Parliament building is depicted with a view from the Danube, featuring the revolutionary symbol in the foreground and a perforated national flag. The year of issue, "2006," is shown on the right edge. Encircling the outer part within a pearl border, the inscription "Hungarian Republic" appears at the top, while the year "1956," signifying the revolution's onset, is positioned at the bottom.

The hole in the Hungarian flag symbolizes the events of the 1956 Hungarian Revolution. During the revolution, Hungarian citizens cut out the communist coat of arms from the center of the national flag, leaving behind a distinctive hole. This act represented a rejection of the communist regime and a reclaiming of national identity and independence. The holed flag became a powerful symbol of resistance and defiance against the oppressive Soviet-backed government.

Engraver: István Kósa

MAGYAR KÖZTÁRSASÁG
2006
1956

Reverse

Depicts the denomination, consisting of slightly overlapping numerals, is located within the pearl border. Decorative lines are found at the bottom on the left and right sides of the denomination. Below it, the inscription and mint mark (BP) are horizontally arranged in two rows.

Engraver: István Bartos

50
FORINT
BP.

Edge

50 Forint

Third Republic
KM# 789 Schön# 294 Adamo# FOEM7
Characteristics
Type Commemorative Issue (Circulating)
Material Cupronickel
Weight 7.6 g
Diameter 27.4 mm
Thickness 1.7 mm
Shape round
Alignment Medal
Mint
Budapest Mint (BP)

Related coins

Third Republic

50th Anniversary of the National Revolution of 1956

Silver, 31.46 g, ⌀ 38.61 mm
Third Republic

50th Anniversary of the National Revolution of 1956

Gold, 20.946 g, ⌀ 38.61 mm