Obverse. Photo © Monetarium Numizmatika
  • 10 000 Forint 2016, KM# 910, Hungary, 1700th Anniversary of Birth of Saint Martin of Tours
  • 10 000 Forint 2016, KM# 910, Hungary, 1700th Anniversary of Birth of Saint Martin of Tours
Description

Saint Martin of Tours (Latin: Martinus Turonensis; Hungarian: Szent Márton) was a Christian saint who lived during the 4th century AD, born around 316 in Savaria in the Diocese of Pannonia, now Hungary. He is one of the most revered saints in France and Europe, known as the patron saint of soldiers, horses, and France.

Martin was the son of a Roman military officer and served in the Roman cavalry in Gaul. A famous legend tells of him cutting his military cloak in half to share with a beggar, symbolizing his compassion. He left the military around 361 to become a disciple of Hilary of Poitiers and founded a monastery in Ligugé.

In 371, Martin became the third Bishop of Tours. As bishop, he was known for his missionary work, spreading Christianity, and his opposition to the violent persecution of heretics. His life was documented by Sulpicius Severus.

Martin's shrine in Tours became a significant pilgrimage site. His feast day, Martinmas, is celebrated on November 11th. His legacy was revitalized during the Franco-Prussian War, solidifying his status as a national symbol in France.

Engraver: Ferenc Lebó

Obverse

Depicts the scene of Saint Martin of Tours sharing his cloak with a beggar, framed in a stained glass window. At the bottom edge, the engraver's privy mark is located. Around the edge, in a circular inscription, the text "1700th ANNIVERSARY OF THE BIRTH OF SAINT MARTIN" is visible, with a decorative motif below.

While serving in the Roman army in Gaul (modern-day France), Martin of Tours had a vision that became legendary. Near the city gates of Amiens, he met a poorly clothed beggar. Moved by compassion, Martin cut his military cloak in half to share with the man. That night, he dreamt of Jesus wearing the half of the cloak he had given away, saying to angels, "Martin, who is still but a catechumen, clothed me with this robe." This vision reinforced Martin's faith, leading to his baptism at age 18.

The half of the cloak Martin kept became a famous relic, preserved at Marmoutier Abbey near Tours. During the Middle Ages, it was carried into battle by kings and used for swearing oaths. The term "chaplain" originates from "cappellanu," the priest who cared for the cloak, and "chapel" from "capella," the small churches built to house the relic. Over time, all small churches came to be known as chapels.

SZENT MÁRTON SZÜLETÉSÉNEK 1700. ÉVFORDULÓJA
LEBÓ F

Reverse

Depicts an ancient Christian lamp hanger from Savaria, which can now be seen in the Savaria Museum in Szombathely. At the edge, the upper circular inscription reads "HUNGARY", while the lower circular inscription contains the denomination and the word "FORINT". The "BP." mint mark is situated on the left side, and the year of issue "2016" is on the right side, separating the two circular inscriptions. Under at least ten times magnification, microtext becomes visible within the mint mark.

MAGYARORSZÁG
BP. 2016
10000 FORINT

Edge
Characteristics
Type Commemorative Issue (Non-circulating)
Material Silver
Fineness 0.925
Weight 24 g
Diameter 37 mm
Thickness -
Shape round
Alignment Medal
Mint
Budapest Mint (BP)

Related coins

1700th Anniversary of Birth of Saint Martin of Tours

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