Obverse. Photo © Heritage Auctions
  • 20 Korona 1918, KM# 500, Austro-Hungarian Empire, Hungary, Charles I & IV
  • 20 Korona 1918, KM# 500, Austro-Hungarian Empire, Hungary, Charles I & IV
Description

Charles I (Karl Franz Josef Ludwig Hubert Georg Otto Maria, 1887–1922) was Emperor of Austria, King of Hungary and King of Croatia (as Charles IV), King of Bohemia (as Charles III), and the last of the monarchs belonging to the House of Habsburg-Lorraine to rule over Austria-Hungary, reigning from 1916 until the collapse of the Austro-Hungarian Empire in 1918. He ascended to the throne following the death of his grand-uncle, Emperor Franz Joseph I, during the tumultuous period of World War I. Charles sought to end the war through separate peace negotiations and implemented social and political reforms, including greater autonomy for ethnic groups within the empire. Despite his efforts, the empire dissolved, and he was dethroned in 1918 without formally abdicating. After two failed attempts to regain the Hungarian throne in 1921, he was exiled to Madeira, where he died of pneumonia on April 1, 1922. Charles IV was beatified by the Roman Catholic Church in 2004, recognizing his devout faith and peace efforts.

Obverse

Depicts a standing portrait of Emperor Charles I & IV wearing the Hungarian Holy Crown. The ruler is dressed in the Hungarian coronation mantle, holding a scepter in his right hand and an orb in his left and surrounded by the inscription "Charles by the Grace of God Emperor of Austria and Apostolic King of Hungary, Croatia, Slavonia, Dalmatia" above and the issue year below.

Engraver: József Reisner

KÁROLY I•K•A•CS• ÉS M•H•SZ•D•AP•KIR•
1918

Reverse

Depicts the coat of arms of the Hungarian Kingdom with the Holy Crown. An angel on each side holds the coat of arms. At the bottom point of the coat of arms, the mint mark "K•B" (Kremnica) is located. The inscription "HUNGARIAN KINGDOM" is above, and the denomination is below.

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.

Engraver: Károly Gerl

MAGYAR KIRÁLYSÁG
K•B
20 KORONA

Edge

Depicts the personal motto of the Emperor as Apostolic King of Hungary: "IN WAR AND PEACE WITH THE NATION FOR THE HOMELAND"

HARCBAN ÉS BÉKÉBEN A NEMZETTEL A HAZÁÉRT

20 Korona

KM# 500 Unger# 1505 Huszar# 2231 Adamo# K9.2
Characteristics
Material Gold
Fineness 0.900
Weight 6.775 g
Diameter 21 mm
Thickness 1.4 mm
Shape round
Alignment Medal
Mint
Kremnica Mint (K.B)

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