The MTI reports that the Central Bank of Hungary will issue three commemorative coins in honour of Saint Stephen on 11 January 2021. The gold coin will have a face value of 500 thousand HUF, the silver 15.000 HUF, the non-ferrous metal variant 3000 HUF.

The coins are the launch of a new series entitled The Kings of the Áprád Dynasty that built a nation. The series will focus on 10 rulers. The Central Bank plans to issue a new coin every two years.

According to the MNB's announcement, the commemorative coin issued in honour of Hungary's founding king will be the most valuable piece of the series. The commemorative coins' design is based on motifs from the period they commemorate and was drawn up by the goldsmith Zoltán Tóth.

Reverse of the gold commemorative coin (Source: mnb.hu)

Obverse of the gold commemorative coin (Source: mnb.hu)

The coins' obverse is decorated with a motif taken from the golden denars minted under Saint Stephen's rule with the inscription "Lancea Regis." The motif is encircled by 10 crosses. The church of the motif reflects King Stephen's role as founder of the state and church of Hungary, while the ten crosses represent the 10 dioceses the founding King created during his rule.

Reverse of the silver commemorative coin (Source: mnb.hu)

Obverse of the silver commemorative coin (Source: mnb.hu)

The central motif on the back of the commemorative coins depicts St. Stephen as seen on the coronation robe made in 1031. The robe bears the only extant contemporary depiction of Saint Stephen. The king can be seen in full regalia.

The gold and silver coins are made of 0.999 pure gold and silver respectively; both weigh 31.104 grams. The non-ferrous coin is made of a copper-zinc allow and weighs 23.40 grams. A total of 500 gold, 5000 silver and 5000 non-ferrous coins will be minted.

Reverse of the non-ferrous commemorative coin (Source: mnb.hu)

Obverse of the non-ferrous commemorative coin (Source: mnb.hu)

The commemorative coins are being minted and distributed by Magyar Pénverő Zrt. Depending on stock the silver coins will be available for purchase at face value for 3 months, the non-ferrous coins for a year. The mint will coordinate the sale of the gold coins through a draw overseen by a public notary.

Source: MTI

Cover photo: The Central Bank of Hungary to issue commemorative coins in honour of King Stephen (Photo: mnb.hu)