Obverse. Photo © Monetarium Numizmatika
  • 3000 Forint 2012, KM# 837, Hungary, 150th Anniversary of the Publication of Imre Madách's
  • 3000 Forint 2012, KM# 837, Hungary, 150th Anniversary of the Publication of Imre Madách's
Description

Imre Madách (1823–1864) hailed from a distinguished Hungarian lineage, renowned as a nobleman, author, and poet, most notably celebrated for his profound poetic work, "Az ember tragédiája" (The Tragedy of Man). Alongside his literary pursuits, Madách actively participated in public affairs, briefly serving as a member of the Hungarian Parliament.

Despite his brief lifespan, Madách's indelible mark on Hungarian literature is unmistakable, primarily through his magnum opus, "The Tragedy of Man." Penned in 1861, this opus delves into profound philosophical and existential inquiries, employing dialogues among historical and mythical figures. It presents a sweeping narrative of humanity's journey, from biblical origins to a distant, dystopian future, contemplating themes such as the human condition, quest for meaning, and pursuit of freedom.

Beyond "The Tragedy of Man," Imre Madách's literary repertoire encompasses poetry and plays, albeit without achieving the same pinnacle of acclaim. Nevertheless, his contributions endure, securing him a revered status as one of Hungary's foremost literary luminaries.

Engraver: Enikő Szöllőssy

Obverse

Depicts a scene related to the play "The Tragedy of Man". Adam and Eve standing on the globe, with the shadowy figure of Lucifer towering behind them, with outstretched wings. In the depiction of the globe, in curved lines below each other, the inscriptions "THE MAN'S" and "TRAGEDY" are readable. On the left side, the inscription "MADÁCH IMRE" is visible, while on the right side, the engraver's privy mark is placed.

"The Tragedy of Man," or "Az ember tragédiája," holds a prominent place in Hungarian literature, serving as an allegorical exploration of human history and the complexities of the human psyche. Through encounters between its central characters—Lucifer, Adam, and God—the drama traverses key moments in history while probing existential questions around fate, free will, and moral development. Imre Madách's masterpiece continues to inspire various artistic forms, including theater and film, with its enduring relevance and profound insights into the human experience.

MADÁCH IMRE
AZ EMBER TRAGÉDIÁJA

Reverse

Depicts the portrait of Imre Madách. To the right, the year of issue "2012", to the left, the mintmark "BP." is readable. In horizontal lines below the portrait, the denomination and the inscription "FORINT" are placed. In the upper right corner, the text "HUNGARY" is readable.

MAGYARORSZÁG
BP. 2012
3000
FORINT

Edge

3000 Forint

150th Anniversary of the Publication of Imre Madách's "The Tragedy of Man"

KM# 837 Adamo# EM245
Characteristics
Type Commemorative Issue (Non-circulating)
Material Silver
Fineness 0.925
Weight 20 g
Diameter 34 mm
Thickness 3 mm
Shape round
Alignment Medal
Mint
Budapest Mint (BP)

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