Description

The seventh issue in a series depicting the medieval Hungarian gold florins honors the gold florin of John Hunyadi, who governed Hungary between 1446 and 1453.

John Hunyadi (1406–1456) emerged as a prominent Hungarian military and political figure in the 15th century, renowned for his pivotal role in resisting the Ottoman Empire's expansion into Europe. Born into nobility, he gained renown as a skilled military strategist and commander, earning admiration from allies and foes alike through his prowess on the battlefield.
Among his notable achievements was the decisive victory at the Battle of Nándorfehérvár (Belgrade) in 1456. Leading a diverse coalition of Christian forces, he successfully defended the fortress of Belgrade against a formidable Ottoman army, thwarting their advance into Central Europe. This triumph garnered widespread acclaim and is hailed as a crucial moment in Hungarian and European history.

Engraver: Fanni Király

Obverse

Depicts John Hunyadi with a sword on his shoulder, positioned slightly behind a coat of arms. This portrayal is based on an engraving from the Brno edition of the "Chronica Hungarorum" by János Thuróczi. To the right of Hunyadi's figure, there is a depiction based on the quartered shield from the obverse of the gold forint issued by Hunyadi. In the Hunyadi family's quartered coat of arms, a raven (the Hunyadis' heraldic animal) is shown in the lower left corner, and a double cross in the upper right corner. The upper left and lower right fields feature the striped pattern of Árpád. The coat of arms is enclosed by a depiction of a pearl border. The upper circular legend on the edge reads "JOHN HUNYADI GOVERNOR" with the years "1446–1452" referring to his governance. The lower circular inscription reads "GOLD FLORIN," with the two inscriptions separated on the left by the engraver's privy mark.

HUNYADI JÁNOS KORMÁNYZÓ 1446-1452 ARANYFORINTJA

Reverse

Depicts the reverse side of the gold florin issued by Governor John Hunyadi featuring Ladislaus I (Saint Ladislas) holding a battle-axe and an orb, with a halo above his crowned head. The Latin inscription "Sanctus Ladislaus Rex" (Saint Ladislaus the King) surrounds the figure, with an "n" and a shield on either side as mint marks. Along the upper edge, the country name (Hungary) is displayed, while the lower edge shows the denomination and the word "FORINT." The mint mark "BP." is on the left, and the year of issuance is on the right.

MAGYARORSZÁG
• S • LADISL AVS • REX •
n
BP. 2022
50000 FORINT

Edge

2000 Forint

Adamo# EM462
Characteristics
Type Commemorative Issue (Non-circulating)
Material Nickel Silver
Weight 2.7 g
Diameter 20 mm
Thickness -
Shape round
Alignment Medal
Mint
Budapest Mint (BP)

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