Obverse. Photo © Zomi Numizmatika
  • 500 000 Forint 2010, KM# 824, Hungary, The Admonitions of King St Stephen
  • 500 000 Forint 2010, KM# 824, Hungary, The Admonitions of King St Stephen
Description

The Admonitions of King St Stephen of Hungary, a significant piece of Hungary's legal heritage, are a compilation of counsel and wisdom from King Saint Stephen to his son, Prince Emeric, written in Latin in 1027. This literary masterpiece forms the opening segment of the Corpus Juris Hungarici, marking a pivotal moment in Hungarian political thought. Addressed directly to Prince Emeric, these admonitions reflect Saint Stephen's deeply held beliefs and perspectives.

Comprising ten concise chapters rich in religious undertones, the Admonitions emphasize the paramount importance of faith and the Church in governance. Beyond legal and ecclesiastical matters, they offer profound parental guidance, advocating for enduring familial bonds and unity across generations. King Saint Stephen's writings resonate with timeless lessons in ethics and leadership, encapsulating wisdom that transcends the boundaries of time and circumstance.

Select excerpts from the Admonitions illuminate Saint Stephen's teachings, covering diverse topics from the significance of Catholic faith to the role of mercy and justice in governance. These teachings underscore the importance of moral integrity, humility, and compassion, serving as guiding principles for believers, statesmen, and descendants alike. Through these timeless words, King Saint Stephen imparts invaluable lessons that continue to inspire and resonate with readers across generations.

Engraver: Enikő Szöllőssy

Obverse

Depicts King Saint Stephen and Prince Saint Emeric. The depiction is based on the main altarpiece of the 15th-century winged altar of King Saint Stephen Parish Church in Matejovce (Mateóc, now part of Poprad, Slovakia). Around the edge, in the upper circular script, reads "COUNSELS OF KING SAINT STEPHEN", while in the lower circular script, "TO PRINCE SAINT EMERIC" is inscribed. On the lower right side is the engraver's privy mark.

Emeric, also known as Saint Emeric, was born around 1007 as the second son of King Stephen I of Hungary and Giselle of Bavaria. He was the sole surviving son of King Stephen to reach adulthood. Emeric received a rigorous education under the guidance of the Benedictine monk Gerard, who prepared him for his future role as monarch of Hungary. His father, King Stephen, wrote the Admonitions, a series of teachings, to instill wisdom and guidance in him.

Tragically, Emeric's life was cut short at the age of 24 when he was killed by a boar while hunting on September 2, 1031, possibly in present-day Sântimreu, Romania. He was buried in the Székesfehérvár Basilica, where his grave became the site of miraculous healings and conversions. In 1083, Emeric was canonized by Pope Gregory VII for his piety and purity, alongside his father King Stephen and Bishop Gerard of Csanád. Emeric is often depicted in knight's armor with a crown and lily, symbolizing his virtues.

SZENT ISTVÁN KIRÁLY INTELMEI SZENT IMRE HERCEGHEZ

Reverse

Depicts the introduction to the medieval Latin manuscript of King Saint Stephen's The Admonitions. The Latin text, "In the name of our Lord Jesus Christ: the decree of King St. Stephen begins" is placed on irregularly shaped parchment. To the left of the text is the year of issuance, to the right the mint mark "BP." Below, in two horizontal rows, the denomination and the inscription "FORINT" are visible. At the top, in the semi-circular script, reads the inscription "HUNGARIAN REPUBLIC".

MAGYAR KÖZTÁRSASÁG
In nomine Domini
nostri Ihesu Christi:
Incipit Decretum
Sancti Regis Stephani
2010 BP.
500000
FORINT

Edge
Characteristics
Type Commemorative Issue (Non-circulating)
Material Gold
Fineness 0.986
Weight 62.838 g
Diameter 46 mm
Thickness 2.65 mm
Shape round
Alignment Medal
Mint
Budapest Mint (BP)

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