Obverse. Photo © Magyar Nemzeti Bank
  • 15 000 Forint 2024, Hungary, 125th Anniversary of Birth of Sára Salkaházi
  • 15 000 Forint 2024, Hungary, 125th Anniversary of Birth of Sára Salkaházi
Description

Sára Salkaházi (born Sarolta Klotild Schalkház; 1899 –1944) was a nun belonging to the Society of the Helpers of the Holy Souls. She is renowned for her heroic acts in rescuing nearly a hundred Hungarian Jews during the oppressive regime of the Arrow Cross Party, ultimately sacrificing her own life. The beatification process for Salkaházi was initiated by the Society of the Helpers of the Holy Souls in late 1996, with Vatican approval to proceed granted in January 1997. Pope Benedict XVI signed the beatification decree on April 28, 2006, and the official announcement occurred on September 17 of the same year, in front of the Basilica of Saint Stephen in Budapest.

Engraver: László Szunyogh

Obverse

Depicts the Danube River and the Freedom Bridge, highlighting the site where Sára Salkaházi was executed in 1944, with a cross positioned on the Danube's bank. Inscribed on the artwork is "I'm here, send me", representing Sára Salkaházi's enduring vow taken in 1940. Positioned at the upper left corner is her name alongside the years "1899-1944," denoting her birth and death respectively. The engraver's privy mark (DLA) is visible at the bottom right, integrated within the representation of the Danube.

BOLDOG SALAKHÁZI SÁRA 1899-1944
ECCE
EGO
MITTE
ME
DLA

Reverse

Depicts a full-length portrayal of Sára Salkaházi, based on a photograph taken around 1932. Her figure stands framed within an open door, symbolizing her welcoming demeanor towards those facing adversity and in need of assistance. Adjacent to the depiction, on the right side, are four lines containing the year of minting "2024," the denomination, the inscription "FORINT," the "BP." mint mark, and the semicircular inscription "HUNGARY."

Sára Salkaházi was honored posthumously by the Israeli Yad Vashem Institute in 1969, receiving their highest recognition for her courageous efforts in rescuing Jewish individuals during the war. This award is commemorated by the tree motif and the inscription "THE WORLD IS TRUE", symbolizing the planting of trees in honor of the recipients.

Yad Vashem, Israel's official Holocaust memorial, serves to commemorate victims, share survivors' stories, honor Jewish resistance, and recognize non-Jews who risked their lives to aid Jews. Established in 1953 on the Mount of Remembrance in Jerusalem, it encompasses research facilities and public memorials like the Holocaust History Museum, Children's Memorial, and the Garden of the Righteous Among the Nations, where trees are planted in honor of those who saved Jews during the Holocaust. With a mission to educate globally about the Holocaust and prevent future genocides, Yad Vashem draws about a million visitors annually, offering free admission.

MAGYARORSZÁG
2024
15000
FORINT
BP.
VILÁG IGAZA

Edge
Characteristics
Type Commemorative Issue (Non-circulating)
Material Silver
Fineness 0.925
Weight 30.8 g
Diameter 38.61 mm
Thickness 3 mm
Shape round
Alignment Medal
Mint
Budapest Mint (BP)

Related coins

125th Anniversary of Birth of Sára Salkaházi

Cupronickel, 30.8 g, ⌀ 38.61 mm