Obverse. Photo © Collector Coins
  • 2000 Forint 2015, KM# 892, Hungary, 150th Anniversary of Death of Ignaz Semmelweis
  • 2000 Forint 2015, KM# 892, Hungary, 150th Anniversary of Death of Ignaz Semmelweis
Description

Ignaz Philipp Semmelweis (1818–1865) was a Hungarian physician of German descent, known as the "savior of mothers" for pioneering antiseptic procedures. In the 19th century, postpartum infections were common and often fatal. In 1847, Semmelweis drastically reduced maternal mortality rates at Vienna General Hospital by introducing handwashing with chlorinated lime solutions, lowering the rate from 18% to less than 2%. Despite his success, the medical community rejected his findings, as they conflicted with established beliefs and lacked a theoretical explanation. Semmelweis faced ridicule and was eventually committed to an asylum in 1865, where he died shortly after being beaten by guards. His work gained recognition only years later when Louis Pasteur's germ theory provided a scientific basis for his observations, and Joseph Lister successfully implemented hygienic practices in surgery.

Engraver: Enikő Szöllőssy

Obverse

Depicts the portrait of Ignaz Semmelweis. On the right, below, in three horizontal rows, the birth and death years "1818" and "1865," along with the engraver's privy mark, are placed. Along the edge, on the right side, the inscription "SEMMELWEIS" is readable in a semicircular arrangement.

SEMMELWEIS
1818
1865

Reverse

Depicts the denomination. Below, in two horizontal rows, the inscription "FORINT" and the issuance year "2015" along with the mint mark "BP." are visible. Along the edge, in the upper circular inscription, the text "HUNGARY" is placed

MAGYARORSZÁG
2000
FORINT
2015 BP.

Edge
Characteristics
Type Commemorative Issue (Non-circulating)
Material Nickel Silver
Weight 2.7 g
Diameter 20 mm
Thickness -
Shape round
Alignment Medal
Mint
Budapest Mint (BP)

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