Obverse. Photo © Magyar Nemzeti Bank
  • 20 000 Forint 2019, Adamo# EM383, Hungary, 175th Anniversary of the National Anthem of Hungary
  • 20 000 Forint 2019, Adamo# EM383, Hungary, 175th Anniversary of the National Anthem of Hungary
Description

In 1823, Ferenc Kölcsey wrote his patriotic masterpiece, "Hymnus, a' Magyar nép Zivataros századaiból" ("Hymn, from the Stormy Centuries of the Hungarian People"). In 1844, the National Theatre held a competition to set this poem to music. Ferenc Erkel, the Theatre's conductor, won with his entry, submitted under the motto "Itt az írás, forgassátok/Érett ésszel, józanon" ("Here is the writing, turn it with mature reason, soberly"). His success was due to the beautiful blend of grandeur and melodic simplicity, incorporating Hungarian and European musical traditions.

The Hymn was officially designated as Hungary's national anthem by the 1989 Constitution. Article I of the Fundamental Law, effective January 1, 2012, states: "Hungary's national anthem is the poem 'Hymn' by Ferenc Kölcsey, set to music by Ferenc Erkel."

Engraver: Gábor Kereszthury

Obverse

Depicts a half-length portrait of Ferenc Erkel. In the background, to the left, there is a detail of Ferenc Erkel's signature, and to the right, a fragment of the original sheet music of the hymn. Along the edge, at the top, in a curved inscription shifted to the left, the inscription "THE MUSICAL SETTING OF THE HYMN • 1844" is visible, while at the bottom, integrated into the portrait depiction, the engraver's privy mark is placed.

Ferenc Erkel (1810–1893) was a Hungarian composer, conductor, and pianist renowned as the "father of Hungarian grand opera." His most notable achievements lie in his significant impact on Hungarian music, particularly through his operas. Among his works, "Bánk Bán" stands out as a cornerstone of Hungarian national opera, premiering in 1861 and marking the zenith of his career.

Erkel's influence extended beyond composition. He played a pivotal role in establishing the Music Academy in 1875, where he served as director and piano teacher for a decade. Furthermore, in 1884, he assumed the position of chief musical director at the newly inaugurated opera house.

Throughout the 19th century, Erkel's contributions to Hungarian national identity through music were profound. As the conductor of the Hungarian National Theatre, now the Hungarian State Opera House, he left an indelible mark on Hungarian musical life.

A HIMNUSZ MEGZENÉSÍTÉSE • 1844

Reverse

Depicts a half-length portrait of Ferenc Kölcsey. To the left of the portrait, a fragment of text from the original manuscript of the hymn – the first stanza – is visible, beneath which Kölcsey Ferenc's signature can be seen. Along the upper edge in a semi-circular inscription, to the right, the inscription "HUNGARY," and to the left, the denomination and the "Ft" (Forint) symbol, while below the semi-circular inscription, in the center, the year of issue "2019" is displayed. Integrated into the portrait depiction, the mint mark "BP." is placed.

Ferenc Kölcsey (1790–1838) was a notable Hungarian poet, literary critic, and politician, best known for writing "Hymnus," which became Hungary's national anthem. A central figure in the early 19th-century Hungarian literary revival, Kölcsey was influenced by European Romanticism and dedicated to the national revival of Hungarian culture and language. His works often carried patriotic themes and a profound love for his country.

In politics, Kölcsey was elected to the Hungarian Diet and strongly advocated for social and political reforms, including the promotion of Hungarian as the official language over Latin. As a literary critic, his essays and critiques significantly shaped Hungarian literary standards. His notable work, "Parainesis Kölcsey Kálmánhoz" (Advice to Kálmán Kölcsey), is a significant piece of Hungarian literature.

Kölcsey's legacy endures through his contributions to Hungarian literature and culture, particularly through the national anthem, a powerful symbol of Hungarian identity. He is remembered as a key figure in Hungary's cultural and political history.

MAGYARORSZÁG 20000 Ft
2019
Isten áld meg a Magy
Jó kedvvel; bőséggel
Nyújts feléje védő k
Ha küzd ellenséggel
Bal sors a' kit régen
Hozz rá víg esztendőt
Megbűnhődte már e'
A múltat s jővend
Kölcsey Ferencz

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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175th Anniversary of the National Anthem of Hungary

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