Obverse. Photo © Zomi Numizmatika
  • 2000 Forint 2016, KM# 906, Hungary, Hungarian National Memorial Sites, Rákoskeresztúr New Public Cemetary
  • 2000 Forint 2016, KM# 906, Hungary, Hungarian National Memorial Sites, Rákoskeresztúr New Public Cemetary
Description

The Hungarian National Bank issues a commemorative coin "Rákoskeresztúr New Public Cemetary" as the third piece in the series of Hungarian National Memorial Sites.

Hungarian historical landmarks hold profound significance as sites of memory, revered for their national, religious, regional, or minority importance. While they often boast remarkable architectural features, their primary value lies in their historical significance. According to legislation, a national memorial site can encompass either a constructed setting or a natural locale where a pivotal event from the past, shaping the nation's trajectory, or a significant state decision has unfolded, deemed worthy of national remembrance.

Distinguished national memorial sites serve as crucial touchstones in both Hungarian history and the history of the Hungarian State. They offer visitors a window into the pivotal events, tragedies, and triumphs that have shaped Hungary's past. Presently (as of 2024), the country boasts sixty-four recognized historical landmarks, designated as such by government decree following recommendations from the National Memorial and Mourning Committee. The National Heritage Institute ensures their consistent identification, erecting markers that not only uniformly distinguish the landmarks but also succinctly convey their significance to interested parties.

Engraver: Kligl Sándor

Obverse

Depicts a memorial stele and a bell tower, with the foreground featuring the headstone from Plot 301. The engraver's privy mark is placed at the right edge. Within the pearl border at the edge of the coin, enclosed by two dots, the inscription "RÁKOSKERESZTÚR NEW PUBLIC CEMETERY NATIONAL MEMORIAL SITE" is visible in a circular inscription, with the emblem of national memorials in the center below.

The New Public Cemetery, also known as the Rákoskeresztúr New Public Cemetery, is the largest in Budapest, spanning 207 hectares and containing 301 plots. It was inaugurated on May 1, 1886, and the first burial occurred on August 6, 1886, with Victoria Závoly interred in plot 53.

A notable part of the cemetery is the National and Historical Memorial Site, dedicated to the victims of the 1956 revolution reprisals. Plots 298, 300, and 301 are particularly significant, as they were used to secretly bury those executed or who died during the Kádár-era reprisals following the revolution. These plots, located at the farthest point of the cemetery, include prominent figures such as Prime Minister Imre Nagy, his secretary Miklós Gimes, and military leader Pál Maléter, along with other revolutionaries.

During Hungary's regime change, these plots were rearranged, exhumed, and transformed into a memorial site for the 1956 revolution. Plot 301 features uniform headstones above the graves of the executed. In Plot 300, a martyr memorial by György Jovánovics stands, surrounded by the graves of Imre Nagy and his fellow martyrs. The black granite slab here is precisely 1956 millimeters tall, symbolizing the year of the revolution.

• RÁKOSKERESZTÚRI ÚJKÖZTEMETŐ NEMZETI EMLÉKHELY •
KLiGL
301

Reverse

Depicts in two horizontal rows, the denomination and the inscription "FORINT". On the right, depictions of two memorial headstones from Plots 298 and 301 of the Rákoskeresztúri New Cemetery are placed. The outline is interrupted by the "BP." mintmark, with the issuance year "2016" in the center below. Micro-inscriptions are visible within the mintmark under at least ten times magnification. The inscription "HUNGARY" is visible in the upper circular legend within the pearl border at the edge.

MAGYARORSZÁG
BP 2016
2000
FORINT

Edge

2000 Forint

Hungarian National Memorial Sites
Rákoskeresztúr New Public Cemetary

Subscribe series
KM# 906 Adamo# EM328
Characteristics
Type Commemorative Issue (Non-circulating)
Material Bronze Plated Copper
Weight 18.4 g
Diameter 37 mm
Thickness 2.7 mm
Shape round
Alignment Medal
Mint
Budapest Mint (BP)

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