Obverse. Photo © Collector Coins
  • 10 000 Forint 2016, KM# 911, Hungary, Hungarian Castles, Castle of Szigetvár
  • 10 000 Forint 2016, KM# 911, Hungary, Hungarian Castles, Castle of Szigetvár
Description

The Castle of Szigetvár, located in southern Hungary, has a rich history dating back to the medieval period. Originally a wooden fortress, it was significantly fortified in the 16th century due to rising Ottoman threats. It gained prominence during the 1566 Siege of Szigetvár, where Hungarian defenders, led by Count Miklós Zrínyi, valiantly resisted the Ottoman forces. Although they were ultimately defeated, their heroic defense became a symbol of Hungarian resilience.

After the siege, the castle remained under Ottoman control for over a century until it was recaptured by Habsburg forces in the late 17th century. Over the years, it has seen various uses and undergone restoration to preserve its historical importance. Today, the Castle of Szigetvár is a well-preserved historical site and a popular tourist destination.

Engraver: Borbála Szanyi

Obverse

Depicts the southern side of Szigetvár Castle, with a detail of Miklós Zrínyi's work "The Peril of Szigetvár" in the foreground, where Zrínyi urges his knights to outbreak from the castle. In the upper border, the inscription "CASTLE OF SZIGETVÁR" is visible. On the right side, embedded within the depiction of the castle, the engraver's privy mark is placed.

SZIGETVÁRI VÁR

Reverse

Depicts the half-length portrait of Miklós Zrínyi wearing armor and a helmet. He holds a sword in his right hand and a mace in his left hand. Along the edge, in the upper border, the inscription "HUNGARY" is visible, below which, in two rows, the denomination and the word "FORINT" are inscribed. To the right of the depiction, arranged in two rows beneath each other, the inscriptions "ZRÍNYI" and "MIKLÓS" are placed on the right side, while "SZIGETVÁR" and "DEFENDER" are arranged on the left side. On the edge of the commemorative coin, in the middle, the year of issue "2016" is located on the left side, and the mint mark "BP" is placed on the right side. Micro-engraving becomes visible within the mint mark under magnification of at least ten times.

Nikola IV Zrinski (1508-1566), also known as Miklós IV Zrínyi, was a Croatian nobleman and military leader, serving as Ban of Croatia from 1542 to 1556 and as royal master of the treasury from 1557 to 1566. He hailed from the prominent Zrinski and Kurjaković families, which became the most influential noble lineage in the Kingdom of Croatia during his lifetime. Zrinski gained widespread recognition for his bravery during the Siege of Szigetvár in 1566, where he valiantly perished while halting the advance of the Ottoman Empire under Sultan Suleiman the Magnificent towards Vienna. This pivotal battle was hailed by Cardinal Richelieu as "the battle that saved civilization." Zrinski is revered as a symbol of loyalty, self-sacrifice, and Christian heroism, earning him national hero status in both Croatia and Hungary, and inspiring numerous artistic depictions.

MAGYARORSZÁG
10000
FORINT
2016. BP.
ZRINYI
MIKLÓS
SZIGETVÁR
VÉDŐJE

Edge

10 000 Forint

KM# 911 Adamo# EM325
Characteristics
Type Commemorative Issue (Non-circulating)
Material Silver
Fineness 0.925
Weight 31.46 g
Diameter 38.61 mm
Thickness 3 mm
Shape round
Alignment Medal
Mint
Budapest Mint (BP)

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