Obverse. Photo © Magyar Nemzeti Bank
  • 2000 Forint 2021, Adamo# EM439, Hungary, 10th Anniversary of the New Hungarian Constitution
  • 2000 Forint 2021, Adamo# EM439, Hungary, 10th Anniversary of the New Hungarian Constitution
Description

The Fundamental Law of Hungary (Hungarian: Magyarország alaptörvénye), the nation's constitution, was adopted by parliament on April 18, 2011, promulgated by the president a week later, and came into force on January 1, 2012. It is Hungary's first constitution established within a democratic framework following free elections.

This document replaced the 1949 Constitution, which was initially adopted upon the creation of the Hungarian People's Republic on August 20, 1949, and extensively amended on October 23, 1989. The 1949 Constitution was Hungary's first permanent written constitution. Until the Fundamental Law was introduced, Hungary was the only former Eastern Bloc country without a completely new constitution post-communism.

The 2011 constitution has sparked controversy both domestically and internationally. Critics argue that it was adopted without sufficient input from the opposition and broader society, that it reflects the ruling Fidesz party's ideology and entrenches its power, and that it is based on a conservative Christian worldview despite Hungary's secular nature. They also claim it restricts and politicizes previously independent institutions. The government, however, maintains that the constitution was lawfully enacted and represents the popular will.

Engraver: Balázs Pelcz

Obverse

Depicts in the centrally outlined field, the Holy Crown of Hungary alongside a detail of the national flag of Hungary, with the colors of the latter indicated by heraldic shading. Encircled by decorative points, at the top in a circular inscription, a quote from the National Creed found in the Fundamental Law of Hungary: "ALLIANCE AMONG THE HUNGARIANS OF THE PAST, PRESENT, AND FUTURE", below which the inscription "ON THE TENTH ANNIVERSARY OF THE FUNDAMENTAL LAW" is positioned.

The Holy Crown of Hungary (also known as the Crown of Saint Stephen) was the coronation crown used by the Kingdom of Hungary for most of its existence; kings have been crowned with it since the twelfth century. No king of Hungary was regarded as having been truly legitimate without being crowned with it. In the history of Hungary, more than fifty kings were crowned with it, up to the last, Charles IV, in 1916. The cross is attached to the crown in a rough manner, rising from the midriff of Christ in the central enamel plaque at the top of the crown. The cross was knocked crooked in the 17th century when the crown was damaged, possibly by the top of the iron chest housing the insignia being hastily closed without the crown having been placed in it properly. The cross has since been left in this slanted position, and is now always depicted as such.

SZÖVETSÉG A MÚLT, A JELEN ÉS A JÖVŐ MAGYARJAI KÖZÖTT
AZ ALAPTÖRVÉNY TIZEDIK ÉVFORDULÓJÁRA

Reverse

Depicts the plenary chamber of the Hungarian Parliament Building as seen from above. The depiction is based on the photograph titled "Constitutional Reform" by Tamás Wachsler. Encircling the edge, the inscription "HUNGARY" is at the top, while the denomination and "FORINT" inscription are at the bottom. On the left side, the mint mark "BP." is present, and vertically on the right side, the issuance year "2021" is displayed. Incorporated into the depiction of the chamber, the engraver's privy mark is positioned at the bottom right.

MAGYARORSZÁG
BP.
2021
PB
2000 FORINT

Edge
Characteristics
Type Commemorative Issue (Non-circulating)
Material Copper Nickel
Weight 23.7 g
Diameter 37 mm
Thickness -
Shape round
Alignment Medal
Mint
Budapest Mint (BP)

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