Obverse. Photo © Magyar Nemzeti Bank
  • 7500 Forint 2021, Adamo# EM436, Hungary, 100th Anniversary of Birth of György Cziffra
  • 7500 Forint 2021, Adamo# EM436, Hungary, 100th Anniversary of Birth of György Cziffra
Description

György Cziffra (1921-1994) was a celebrated Hungarian virtuoso pianist and composer, known for his extraordinary talent from a young age. A musical prodigy, he gained admission to the Franz Liszt Academy of Music at just eight years old, thanks to the support of Ernő Dohnányi.

Cziffra's performances were renowned for their technical brilliance, emotional depth, and unique interpretations, particularly of Franz Liszt's works. Despite enduring significant hardships, including internment in a Soviet labor camp during World War II and imprisonment in a communist forced labor brigade, he emerged as a prominent pianist in the post-war years. His career saw him touring globally, captivating audiences with his electrifying performances and acclaimed recordings. Besides performing, Cziffra composed original works and transcriptions for piano.

Throughout his illustrious career, Cziffra received numerous accolades. He was awarded the Franz Liszt Prize in 1956, the Commander's Cross of the Order of Merit of the Republic of Hungary in 1993, and the Officer's degree of the Legion of Honor in France the same year. Additionally, he was honored as an honorary citizen of Kőszeg in 1986.

Engraver: Mihály Fritz

Obverse

Depicts the portrait of György Cziffra. To the right of the portrait, in three lines, the inscriptions "CZIFFRA", "GYÖRGY", and the years of his birth and death "1921–1994" can be read. At the bottom edge, below the inscriptions, the engraver's privy mark is placed.

Cziffra György
1921 - 1994
fm

Reverse

Depicts György Cziffra performing a concert in the Saint-Frambourg Chapel in Senlis, France, within the Ferenc Liszt Auditorium of the "Fondation Cziffra" founded by the pianist. The lower part features the inscription "HUNGARY" in two lines, along with the denomination and "Ft." On the right side, integrated into the chapel's depiction, are the "BP." mint mark and the issuance year "2021," also in two lines.

BP.
2021
MAGYARORSZÁG
7500 Ft

Edge
Characteristics
Type Commemorative Issue (Non-circulating)
Material Silver
Fineness 0.925
Weight 12.5 g
Diameter 30 mm
Thickness 2.6 mm
Shape round
Alignment Medal
Mint
Budapest Mint (BP)

Related coins

100th Anniversary of Birth of György Cziffra

Copper Nickel, 12.5 g, ⌀ 30 mm