Obverse. Photo © Magyar Nemzeti Bank
  • 3000 Forint 2023, Hungary, Hungarian Shepherd and Hunting Dog Breeds, Transylvanian Hound
  • 3000 Forint 2023, Hungary, Hungarian Shepherd and Hunting Dog Breeds, Transylvanian Hound
Description

In 2019, the Hungarian National Bank launched a coin series celebrating Hungarian shepherd and hunting dog breeds. The term "Hungarian Shepherd and Hunting Dog Breeds" encompasses nine breeds that were recognized in the Collection of Hungarikums in 2017.

Engraver: András Szilos

Obverse

Depicts two Transylvanian Hounds chasing a wild boar in terrain covered with dense vegetation. At the top edge, the inscription "TRANSYLVANIAN HOUND" is in a circular pattern, and on the right side, the engraver's privy mark is integrated into the depiction of the vegetation.

The Transylvanian Hound, originating from Hungary, is currently the most endangered dog breed of the country. Known for its hunting prowess and unsuitability for indoor living, preserving this breed has been a longstanding priority due to its historical and cultural significance. Early Hungarian conquerors favored using hounds for hunting, which blended with local breeds like the Celtic hound upon their arrival in the Carpathian Basin. During the era of the Árpád dynasty kings, the now-extinct Pannonian Hound, an ancestor of the Transylvanian Hound and the short-haired Hungarian Vizsla, emerged. The term "Kopó," derived from the Hungarian verb "kap" (meaning "to catch prey"), first appeared as a noun in 1237 in hunting contexts.

Hunting with hounds was a beloved pastime of Hungarian kings and nobles, with packs of hounds being integral to noble court life. Notable figures such as King Matthias Corvinus and noble families like Rákóczi and Zrínyi were known for their affinity for hounds. The "black Hungarian hound" was especially esteemed for its keen sense of smell and bravery. The courtly traditions of the medieval Hungarian kingdom persisted in Transylvania from the late 16th century onward, where maintaining hounds became a hallmark of noble status. A Hungarian noble court without Hungarian hounds was a rarity.

After the breed standardization, the Fédération Cynologique Internationale (FCI) officially recognized the Transylvanian Hound as Hungary's ninth dog breed in 1966. Since 2004, it has been designated as a Hungarikum, representing a national treasure of Hungary. Since 2017, it has also been included in the Hungarian Cultural Heritage Collection.

ERDÉLYI KOPÓ

Reverse

Depicts a Transylvanian Hound with its head turned to the right. At the top edge, the inscription "HUNGARY" is in a circular pattern, and on the right side, the denomination and the inscription "FORINT" are arranged in two rows, with the year of issue "2023" and the mint mark "BP." placed below.

MAGYARORSZÁG
3000
FORINT
2023
BP.

Edge
Characteristics
Type Commemorative Issue (Non-circulating)
Material Nickel Brass
Weight 16 g
Diameter 34 mm
Thickness -
Shape round
Alignment Medal
Mint
Budapest Mint (BP)

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