Obverse. Photo © Magyar Nemzeti Bank
  • 15 000 Forint 2023, Hungary, 250th Anniversary of Birth of Mihály Csokonai
  • 15 000 Forint 2023, Hungary, 250th Anniversary of Birth of Mihály Csokonai
Description

Mihály Csokonai (1773–1805) was a Hungarian poet, playwright, and critic, regarded as one of the foremost figures in Hungarian literature. Born in Debrecen, Hungary, he studied at the Calvinist College in Debrecen and later at the University of Nagyszombat (now Trnava, Slovakia). Influenced by Enlightenment ideas and the French Revolution, these themes are evident in his works.

Csokonai's poetry is known for its emotional depth, lyricism, and innovative use of language. As one of the pioneers of Romanticism in Hungarian literature, he challenged traditional poetic norms with his bold experimentation and contemporary themes, often exploring love, nature, social issues, and the human condition.

Among Csokonai's most celebrated works are the poetic drama "Dorottya" and the epic poem "The Lost Paradise" ("Az elveszett paradicsom"). Despite his relatively short life, Csokonai left a lasting legacy, inspiring future generations of Hungarian writers and poets.

Engraver: Borbála Szanyi

Obverse

Depicts a half-length portrait of Csokonai Vitéz Mihály, based on Friedrich John's 1816 copperplate engraving, accompanied by attributes of poetry, a book, and a pen, with star motifs in the background. To the right of the portrait, in two rows, the years of Csokonai Vitéz Mihály's birth and death, "1773" and "1805," are inscribed, while the engraver's privy mark is located below on the left. Encircling the rim, at the bottom left, the inscription "CSOKONAI VITÉZ MIHÁLY" is displayed.

1773
1805
• CSOKONAI VITÉZ MIHÁLY •

Reverse

Depicts common chicory flowers enclosed by a slightly raised circular ring. On the right side, in three rows, the inscription "HUNGARY," the denomination, and "FORINT" are displayed, while below, integrated into the depiction, the mint mark "BP." and the issuance year "2023" are visible. Encircling the rim of the obverse, an excerpt from Mihály Csokonai's work "Halotti versek" (Funeral Odes) reads: "I, angel and beast, or just dust and vapor."

ÉN, ANGYAL MEG ÁLLAT, VAGY CSAK POR MEG PÁRA.
MAGYARORSZÁG
15000
FORINT
2023. BP.

Edge
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

250th Anniversary of Birth of Mihály Csokonai

Copper Nickel, 30.8 g, ⌀ 38.61 mm