Obverse. Photo © Collector Coins
  • 2000 Forint 2018, Adamo# EM359, Hungary, Hungarian Castles, Eger Castle
  • 2000 Forint 2018, Adamo# EM359, Hungary, Hungarian Castles, Eger Castle
Description

The Eger Castle, located in northern Hungary, is a historically significant fortress renowned for its defense against the Ottoman Empire in 1552. Perched on a hill, the castle offered a strategic vantage point and was part of a defensive network protecting Hungary from invasions. In the famous 1552 siege, István Dobó led about 2,100 defenders against an Ottoman army of approximately 40,000, successfully repelling them after a month-long siege. This victory halted the Ottoman advance and became a symbol of national resistance. The castle, featuring medieval and Renaissance architecture, has undergone several reconstructions and expansions. Significant structures include the Dobó Bastion and the ruins of the original keep. Now a museum and cultural site, the Eger Castle attracts numerous visitors with exhibitions on its history and the broader history of Eger and Hungary.

Engraver: László Szunyogh

Obverse

Depicts the southern side of the Eger Castle, highlighting the Hippolit Tower, the Gergely Bastion, and part of the castle wall. In the foreground, the inscription "CASTLE OF EGER" is centered. Around the edge, the upper inscription reads "THE STRENGTH OF THE WALLS IS NOT IN THE STONE, BUT IN THE SPIRIT OF THE DEFENDERS," while the lower inscription reads "HUNGARY," each separated by a dot.

A FALAK EREJE NEM A KŐBEN VAN, HANEM A VÉDŐK LELKÉBEN
EGRI VÁR
• MAGYARORSZÁG •

Reverse

Depicts a bust of István Dobó in armor and helmet. The edge features an inscription, with "DOBÓ ISTVÁN" at the top, the denomination and "FORINT" at the bottom left. To the right of the bust is the issuance year "2018" and the mint mark "BP." Below this, there is microtext displaying matching letters. On the right edge, beneath the depiction of a grape leaf, is the engraver's privy mark.

István Dobó (1502–1572) was a prominent Hungarian nobleman and military commander, renowned for his heroic defense of Eger Castle against the Ottoman Empire in 1552. Born into a noble family with a tradition of military service and loyalty to the Hungarian crown, Dobó played a crucial role as the captain of Eger Castle. In 1552, he led a determined defense against an Ottoman force estimated at around 40,000. Despite being heavily outnumbered, Dobó's leadership and the resilience of his troops repelled the Ottomans after a month-long siege. This victory halted the Ottoman advance into northern Hungary and became a symbol of Hungarian resistance and patriotism.

Following the defense of Eger, Dobó served in various military and administrative roles, including voivode (governor) of Transylvania. His later years were marked by political conflicts, leading to his imprisonment. Remembered as a national hero in Hungary, Dobó's stand at Eger has been immortalized in literature and art, most notably in the novel "Eclipse of the Crescent Moon" by Géza Gárdonyi.

DOBÓ ISTVÁN
2000 FORINT
2018 BP.

Edge

2000 Forint

Adamo# EM359
Characteristics
Type Commemorative Issue (Non-circulating)
Material Copper Nickel
Weight 30.8 g
Diameter 38.61 mm
Thickness 3 mm
Shape round
Alignment Medal
Mint
Budapest Mint (BP)

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