Obverse. Photo © Collector Coins
  • 20 000 Forint 2018, KM# 957, Hungary, 175th Anniversary of the Musical Composition of the Szózat
  • 20 000 Forint 2018, KM# 957, Hungary, 175th Anniversary of the Musical Composition of the Szózat
Description

The "Szózat" (translated as "Appeal" or "Summons" in English) is a significant Hungarian patriotic anthem, recognized alongside the Himnusz as a symbol of national pride. Typically, only the first two stanzas are sung during national celebrations. While the official anthem opens ceremonies, the Szózat traditionally concludes them.

Mihály Vörösmarty wrote the poem in 1836, and it was published in 1837 in the almanac Aurora. Béni Egressy composed the music for the poem in 1843, after Endre Bartay, the director of the National Theater, announced a prize for setting it to music. The work premiered on May 10, 1843, at the National Theater. The Szózat is also considered Hungary's second national anthem. For a long time, there was a debate over whether the Himnusz or the Szózat should be the Hungarian national anthem. In 1843, the Pesti Hírlap referred to the poem as "the nation's song of peace and war."

Engraver: Gábor Kereszthury

Obverse

Depicts a detail from the painting "Egressy Béni" by Miklós Barabás. In the background, the building of the former National Theater is visible. To the upper right of the depiction, there is a detail of the sheet music for "Appeal" with the text. Below, in two horizontal lines, is the signature of Béni Egressy. Along the edge, in a semicircular inscription aligned to the left, the text "175 YEARS OF THE MUSIC OF APPEAL" is visible. At the bottom, integrated into the depiction of the painting detail, the engraver's privy mark can be seen.

Béni Egressy (born Galambos Benjámin; 1814–1851) was a Hungarian composer, conductor, and actor, renowned for his significant contributions to Hungarian music, especially in opera and theater. Born in Kecskemét, Hungary, Egressy demonstrated early musical talent and began his career as a violinist.

Egressy's notable achievements are primarily in Hungarian national opera. He closely collaborated with the esteemed Hungarian poet Sándor Petőfi, composing music for many of Petőfi's poems. One of his most famous works is the opera "Bánk bán," featuring a libretto by József Katona, which remains a cornerstone of Hungarian operatic repertoire.

In addition to composing, Egressy gained recognition as a conductor and actor. He participated in various theatrical productions, leaving a lasting impact on the cultural landscape of 19th-century Hungary.

175 ÉVES A SZÓZAT ZENÉJE
Hazádnak ren-dü-let-lenül
Légy hí-ve, oh ma-gyar

Reverse

Depicts Mihály Vörösmarty's half-length portrait, with the national flag in the background. To the left, there is a depiction of Hungary's coat of arms. To the right, a text excerpt from the original manuscript of Szózat – the last stanza – is visible, along with Mihály Vörösmarty's signature. At the top edge, in a semicircular inscription, is the word "HUNGARY," and below it, in the center, is the issue year "2018." To the right of the portrait, at the bottom – arranged in three horizontal lines to the left – the denomination, the inscription "FORINT," and the "BP." mint mark can be seen. Under at least tenfold magnification, micro-engraving becomes visible within the mint mark.

Mihály Vörösmarty (1800–1855) was a prominent Hungarian poet and dramatist who played a key role in 19th-century Hungarian literature. He studied at the Piarist school in Székesfehérvár and the University of Pest (now Budapest), initially pursuing law before shifting to literature. Vörösmarty became a central figure in the Hungarian Romantic movement, exploring themes of national identity, history, and nature.

His notable works include the patriotic poem "Szózat" (Appeal), written in 1836, which became Hungary's second national anthem, and the romantic drama "Csongor és Tünde" (1830), a masterpiece of Hungarian literature. He also wrote epic poems like "Zalán futása" (The Flight of Zalán), depicting historical themes.

Active in politics and culture, Vörösmarty participated in the Hungarian Revolution of 1848 and was a member of the Hungarian Academy of Sciences. After the revolution's defeat, he faced financial and personal struggles, continuing to write with a more somber tone.

MAGYARORSZÁG
2018
A nagy világon e kívül
Nincsen számodra hely:
Áldjon vagy verjen sors keze,
Itt élned, halnod kell.
20000
FORINT
BP.

Edge
Characteristics
Type Commemorative Issue (Non-circulating)
Material Silver
Fineness 0.925
Weight 77.76 g
Diameter 52.5 mm
Thickness -
Shape round
Alignment Medal
Mint
Budapest Mint (BP)

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