Hungary 15,000 Ft. 2023. 220th Anniversary of the birth of Ferenc Deák. Silver Proof

Ferenc Deák (17 October 1803 – 28 January 1876), known as the ‘wise man of the nation’ was born 220 years ago and was one of Hungary’s most renowned 19th-century politicians, who served as Minister of Justice in the first independent Hungarian government. In the spring of 1848, after the victory of the revolution, he played a key role in the creation of the modern, then civil state. He was also a leading figure in the period of passive resistance after the defeat of the 1848–1849 Revolution and War of Independence. He is perhaps most remembered for his leading role in a series of successful negotiations leading to the Compromise in 1867. In the next 50 years, a thriving economic and social development, material and spiritual prosperity took place in the dual monarchy established with his involvement.

These collector coins highlight Deák’s legislative activities, since as a lawyer and minister, he played a leading role in the legislation and judicial work that brought about the transformation of civil society and the modernisation of the country. These coins also reference one of the greatest achievements of the 1848–1849 Revolution and War of Independence: the formation of the first independent Hungarian government. 2023 marks the 175th anniversary of this event.

The obverse of the coins shows the wax seal of the Minister of Justice in 1848, as one of the guarantees of legislative authenticity. Surrounded by a circular line, this is complemented by the compulsory elements of collector coins: at the top, the inscription ‘MAGYARORSZÁG’ (Hungary) referring to the issuer, at the bottom the mint mark ‘BP.’ indicating the place of issuance and the mint year ‘2023’, and the denomination ‘15000’ interrupting the circular line. The inscription ’DEÁK FERENC AZ ELSŐ FELELŐS MAGYAR KORMÁNY IGAZSÁGÜGYI MINISZTERE’ (Ferenc Deák, Minister of Justice of the First Independent Hungarian Government) running along the edge of the obverse, indicates the rightful user of the stamp.