Obverse. Photo © Magyar Nemzeti Bank
  • 10 000 Forint 2020, Adamo# EM395, Hungary, 150th Anniversary of the Hungarian Fire Brigade
  • 10 000 Forint 2020, Adamo# EM395, Hungary, 150th Anniversary of the Hungarian Fire Brigade
Description

In recognition of the sacrificial work of firefighters, the Magyar Nemzeti Bank issued a HUF 50 commemorative circulation coin, along with HUF 10,000 silver and HUF 2,000 non-ferrous commemorative coins on May 4, 2020, Saint Florian's Day, the patron saint of firefighters. These issuances highlight the 150-year history and enduring presence of the organized Hungarian fire brigade, which originated from local voluntary and professional associations before being nationally integrated by Count Ödön Széchenyi. His efforts led to the founding of the Hungarian National Firefighters Association in 1870, the direct predecessor of today's Hungarian Firefighters Association. Since 1991, Firefighters' Day has been officially celebrated in Hungary on May 4.

Count Ödön Széchenyi played a pivotal role in establishing the Hungarian Fire Brigade. His initiative led to the Pest Volunteer Fire Brigade's bylaws in 1866, and by 1869, he had trained his team. Initially, volunteers only worked night shifts while maintaining their civilian jobs during the day. Recognizing the limitations of a volunteer-only force, Széchenyi proposed a professional fire brigade, and on February 1, 1870, a 12-member professional team began service. Széchenyi, as the chief commander, inspired his team with his dedication and modernized the brigade with innovative equipment, such as steam fire engines from England. His leadership and the brigade's successes led to the spread of professional fire brigades across Hungary, earning Széchenyi and his firefighters commendations from Prime Minister Gyula Andrássy and honors from the king.

Engraver: István Holló

Obverse

Depict Saint Florian (the patron saint of firefighters) in ancient Roman officer's uniform, holding a flag in one hand and pouring a bucket of water over a small burning house with the other hand. Along the edge, the inscription at the top reads "150 YEARS OF ORGANIZED HUNGARIAN FIREFIGHTING," and embedded within the depiction at the bottom is the inscription "SAINT FLORIAN."

Saint Florian, born around 250 AD in the Roman province of Noricum, is the patron saint of firefighters, chimney sweeps, and brewers. A high-ranking Roman officer, he organized fire-fighting brigades and, according to legend, saved a burning house as a child. Refusing to renounce his Christian faith, Florian was executed on May 4, 304 AD, by being drowned in the Enns River with a millstone tied around his neck. His bravery led to his canonization, and his feast day is celebrated on May 4th. He is often depicted as a Roman soldier pouring water over a burning building, symbolizing his protection against fire.

150 ÉVES A SZERVEZETT MAGYAR TŰZOLTÓSÁG
SZENT FLÓRIÁN

Reverse

Depicts an ornate firefighter's helmet and two crossed fire axes. Below the depiction, centered in three lines, are the denomination, the inscription "FORINT," and the year of issue "2020." Along the edge, the inscription at the top— the firefighters' motto— "FROM A GLORIOUS PAST TO A WORTHY FUTURE!", and at the bottom, the inscription "HUNGARY" is placed. The two inscriptions are separated by the mint mark "BP." on the left and the engraver's privy mark on the right. Under magnification of at least ten times, micro-engraving featuring letters corresponding to the mint mark can be seen within the mint mark.

10000
FORINT
2020
MAGYARORSZÁG
BP
DICSŐ MÚLTBÓL A MÉLTÓ JÖVŐBE!

Edge

God bless, human help!

ISTENNEK DICSŐSÉG, EMBERNEK SEGÍTSÉG!

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

Related coins

150th Anniversary of the Hungarian Fire Brigade

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