Obverse. Photo © NumisCorner.com
  • 20 Kreuzers 1848, KM# 432, Austro-Hungarian Empire, Hungary, Ferdinand I & V
  • 20 Kreuzers 1848, KM# 432, Austro-Hungarian Empire, Hungary, Ferdinand I & V
Description

The coins of the Hungarian Revolution of 1848–49 or the War of Independence refer to the minted coins produced in Hungary and Croatia during that period. Independent coinage symbolizes sovereignty, making it a notable achievement of the revolution. Although imperial coins with different motifs had been minted for Hungary before, Hungarian inscriptions first appeared on the revolution's coins, commissioned by Lajos Kossuth. These metal coins quickly disappeared from circulation, with most transactions conducted using paper money. The coins were minted at Nagybánya (Baia Mare) and Körmöcbánya (Kremnica) mints, bearing the mint marks N.B. and K.B., respectively.

Ferdinand I (1793–1875) was Emperor of Austria from March 1835 until his abdication in December 1848. He also held titles as King of Hungary, Croatia, and Bohemia (as Ferdinand V), and King of Lombardy–Venetia. Known as "The Benign" or "The Benevolent," Ferdinand succeeded his father, Francis I, on 2 March 1835. Due to severe epilepsy, he relied heavily on his uncle, Archduke Louis, and Prince Metternich, Austria's Foreign Minister, for governance. Amid the Revolutions of 1848, Ferdinand abdicated on 2 December 1848, succeeded by his nephew, Franz Joseph. Post-abdication, he resided in Hradčany Palace, Prague, until his death in 1875. Ferdinand married Maria Anna of Savoy, with whom he had no children.

Obverse

Depicts a portrait of Ferdinand V looking to the right, with a laurel wreath on his head. Below the portrait, the "K.B." (Kremnica) mint mark is placed. The coin's inscription reads "Ferdinand V, King of Hungary, Croatia, and other countries, Grand Duke of Transylvania."

V • FERD • MAGY • H • T • ORSZ • KIRÁLYA • ERD • N • FEJED •
K•B•

Reverse

Depicts the Madonna, wearing the Hungarian Holy Crown, holding a scepter in her right hand and an orb in her left hand, with the child Jesus on her lap. Behind the depiction, rays of light can be seen extending towards the edge. The coin's inscription reads "Protector of Hungary, 1848, Virgin Mary, Mother of God," with the "20" denomination separating the inscription below the depiction.

MAGY • OR • VÉDŐJE • 1848 • SZ • MÁRIA IST • ANNYA
20

Edge

20 Kreuzers

War of Independence
KM# 432 Unger# 1428 Huszar# 2092 Adamo# B5
Characteristics
Material Silver
Fineness 0.583
Weight 6.68 g
Diameter 26.5 mm
Thickness 1.4 mm
Shape round
Alignment Medal
Mint
Kremnica Mint (K.B)

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