Obverse. Photo © NUMIS NUMISMATICS
  • 2000 Forint 2017, KM# 926, Hungary, Hungarian National Memorial Sites, Kossuth Lajos Square
  • 2000 Forint 2017, KM# 926, Hungary, Hungarian National Memorial Sites, Kossuth Lajos Square
Description

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: Zoltán Tóth

Obverse

Depicts the Kossuth Lajos Square from the southern direction. Along the edge, in a semicircle at the top, is the inscription "KOSSUTH SQUARE," and at the bottom, the inscription "NATIONAL MEMORIAL SITE" In the depiction of the square, at the bottom center, is the emblem of the national memorial sites. On the right side, next to the last letter of the inscription, is the engraver's privy mark.

Kossuth Lajos Square, along with the Hungarian Parliament Building, symbolizes Hungarian statehood and modern history, often called the "main square of the nation." On December 11, 1987, UNESCO listed the Buda Castle District and the panorama of the Pest side of the Danube, including the Parliament Building, as a World Heritage site. Since January 1, 2012, Kossuth Lajos Square has been Hungary's only designated national memorial site, including the Parliament Building, the Palace of Justice, and the Ministry of Agriculture.

The square's development began with architect János Hild's 1804 plan, evolving from a market area to a significant historical site. In 1927, it was renamed Kossuth Lajos Square, commemorating Lajos Kossuth's 125th birth anniversary with János Horvay's Kossuth Memorial. The neo-Gothic Parliament Building, started in 1885 and completed in 1902, dominates the square. The park in the square features the national flag, an eternal flame for revolutionary victims, statues, symbolic graves, and memorials for the 1956 Kossuth Square massacre and other historical figures.

KOSSUTH TÉR
NEMZETI EMLÉKHELY

Reverse

Depicts one of the bronze lions located on the edge of the staircase leading to the main entrance of the Hungarian Parliament Building, with the flag of Hungary on the right. At the top edge, in a semicircle, is the inscription "HUNGARY." To the right of the lion depiction is the value mark and the inscription "FORINT." On the left side, in two horizontal lines, are the issue year "2017" and the mint mark "BP." Under at least tenfold magnification, microtext appears in the mint mark.

MAGYARORSZÁG
2017
BP.
2000
FORINT

Edge

2000 Forint

KM# 926 Adamo# EM347
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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