Obverse. Photo © Katz Auction
  • 5000 Forint 2009, KM# 815, Hungary, UNESCO World Heritage, Budapest
  • 5000 Forint 2009, KM# 815, Hungary, UNESCO World Heritage, Budapest
Description

UNESCO World Heritage sites are internationally recognized landmarks, areas, or sites deemed to have exceptional cultural, historical, scientific, or natural significance. These sites are considered vital to humanity's heritage and are safeguarded for future generations. They encompass diverse places such as natural landscapes, cultural monuments, historic cities, archaeological sites, and ecological reserves.

Engraver: Mihály Fritz

Obverse

Depicts the Pest side of the Danube Riverbank between the Chain Bridge and Margaret Bridge. In the foreground, the Tabán Parish Church is visible. To the right, the engraver's mark is located. Above, in a circular inscription, the word "BUDAPEST" is readable.

István Széchenyi introduced the term "Budapest" in 1831, advocating for the amalgamation of historic Buda and burgeoning Pest into a unified capital. Széchenyi emphasized the need for deliberate intervention to prevent the cities from remaining provincial, with the construction of the Chain Bridge symbolizing their unity. Minister of the Interior Bertalan Szemere formally merged the cities on June 24, 1849, underscoring Buda's historical significance and Pest's role as the capital. Despite initial setbacks, centralization efforts continued under the absolutist regime, leading to the merger of Óbuda and Buda in December 1849, followed by Buda and Pest in November 1850. The Compromise of 1867 brought further political changes, culminating in the final merger of Buda, Pest, Óbuda, and Margaret Island on November 17, 1873. This pivotal moment marked the establishment of the Municipal Council and set the stage for Budapest's evolution into a global metropolis, characterized by rapid growth in industry, commerce, and population. By 1890, Budapest's population had surged to 492,000, ranking it 8th among European cities by 1900.

Recognizing its architectural and cultural significance, Budapest, including the Banks of the Danube, the Buda Castle Quarter, and Andrássy Avenue, was inscribed on the UNESCO World Heritage List in 1987.

BUDAPEST

Reverse

Depicts the Andrássy Avenue, with the Opera House on the left and the former Ballet Institute Palace on the right. Above, in horizontal rows, the denomination and the inscription "FORINT" are visible. At the bottom, the mint mark "BP." and the year of issue "2009" can be found. In the upper part, in two horizontal rows, the inscriptions "HUNGARIAN" and "REPUBLIC" are placed.

MAGYAR KÖZTÁRSASÁG
5000
FORINT
BP. 2009

Edge

5000 Forint

Third Republic
KM# 815 Adamo#  EM223
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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