Obverse. Photo © Collector Coins
  • 2000 Forint 2015, KM# 885, Hungary, Hungarian Castles, Jurisics Castle
  • 2000 Forint 2015, KM# 885, Hungary, Hungarian Castles, Jurisics Castle
Description

The Kőszeg Castle, also known as Jurisics Castle, is nestled in the historic heart of Kőszeg's old town. Its origins trace back to 802, when it was mentioned as castellum Guntionis in Einhard's chronicle. Initially built as the Lower Castle, it later became the central estate of the Upper Castle. Over the centuries, ownership of the castle shifted from the Héder family to the Habsburgs and then to Matthias Corvinus.

The castle's most famous event occurred in 1532 when Sultan Suleiman's massive army laid siege. Captain Nicholas Jurisics led a valiant defense, and after twenty-five days, the Ottomans withdrew. In celebration, the Hungarians raised eight Turkish flags on the castle's towers. Ferdinand of Habsburg rewarded Jurisics with a baronial title, but after his death without a male heir, the castle returned to royal administration.

In 1695, the Esterházy family acquired the castle, holding it until 1931. It then served military purposes until 1955. Throughout its history, the castle endured multiple sieges by Transylvanian, imperial, and Kuruc forces. A fire in 1777 led to the demolition of many defenses. Restoration efforts between 1955 and 1963 have since preserved the castle, which now houses cultural institutions.

Engraver: Gábor Kereszthury

Obverse

Depicts the panoramic view of the Jurisics Castle. Above it, in the center, the inscription "KŐSZEGI" and "CASTLE" are visible in two horizontal rows. On the left edge - incorporated into the depiction of the castle wall - the engraver's privy mark is placed.

KŐSZEGI
VÁR

Reverse

Depicts the portrait of Nikola Jurišić. On the right, in two horizontal rows, the denomination and the inscription "FORINT", on the left, in two horizontal rows, the issuance year "2015" and the mintmark "BP." are visible. Along the edge, in the upper circular inscription, "HUNGARY", and in the lower circular inscription - in handwriting - the inscription "Miklós Jurisics" can be read.

Baron Nikola Jurišić (Hungarian: Jurisich Miklós; c. 1499 – 1545) was a Croatian nobleman, esteemed soldier, and skilled diplomat.

His military career began in 1522 when he served as an officer in Ferdinand I of Habsburg's troops stationed in Croatian forts, defending against the advancing Ottoman Empire led by Suleiman I. He was knighted between 1522 and 1526. Following the Battle of Mohács in 1526, Jurišić was appointed as the supreme army commander tasked with defending the borders against Ottoman incursions. He played a pivotal role in assisting Ferdinand of Habsburg's ascension to the throne of Croatia by orchestrating the 1527 election in Cetin. In 1530, he was dispatched to Constantinople for peace negotiations with the Ottomans.

In 1532, Captain Nikola Jurišić valiantly defended the small border fort of Kőszeg (Kingdom of Hungary) with only 700–800 Croatian soldiers, despite lacking cannons and firearms. Their courageous stand thwarted the advance of the Turkish army, numbering 120,000–140,000, towards Vienna.

MAGYARORSZÁG
2015 2000
BP. FORINT
Jurisics Miklós

Edge

2000 Forint

KM# 885 Adamo# EM297
Characteristics
Type Commemorative Issue (Non-circulating)
Material Copper Nickel
Weight 30.8 g
Diameter 38.61 mm
Thickness 3 mm
Shape round
Alignment Medal
Mint
Budapest Mint (BP)

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