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In honor of the 175th anniversary of Hungary's second national anthem , The Szózat (in English: Appeal or Summons), Hungary issued a large-size, silver commemorative coin on the May 10 anniversary of its premiere. The sterling silver (.925 fine) 20,000 forint coin measures 52.5 millimeters across (2.05 inches) and weighs 77.76 grams.
The Szózat's lyrics, intended to encourage patriotism and loyalty were penned by Mihály Vörösmarty in 1836. Béni Egressy composed the music in 1843 in response to an open competition launched by the National Theatre. Egressy submitted his composition with the motto “May every man be human and Hungarian!”
The premiere was at the National Theater on May 10, 1843 when the competition's winner was decided by the audience. It received a standing ovation and soon became well-known as a popular “national song.” It is called the “second national anthem because there is also the official anthem, the Himnusz. Usually, the official anthem is sung at the beginning of ceremonies, and Szózat is sung at the end.
The coin pays tribute to both the poet and the composer. It is said that the poem, addressing all Hungarians is complemented perfectly by the music and captures the sentiment of the era. The obverse has a half-length portrait of Vörösmarty writing the Szózat with the national flag in the background. The design was inspired by a Miklós Barabás’ painting. On the left is the coat-of-arms of Hungary, while on the right is the anthem's most significant stanza: “No other spot in all the world / can touch your heart as home— / let fortune bless or fortune curse, / from hence you shall not roam!” Below is the poet’s signature.
The reverse side of the commemorative coin A half-length portrait of Béni Egressy is on the reverse, also inspired by a Barabás’ painting. The old National Theatre is in the background. Next to Egressy’s portrait is a part of the sheet music for the Szózat, while the composer’s signature is placed at the bottom. The master mark of applied artist Gábor Kereszthury, the designer of the coin, is hidden in the coin design.
The edge is reeded. Mintage is limited to 5,000 coins.
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