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The Hungarian Mint has issued a silver coin with a face value of 10,000 forints and a non-ferrous metal version of 2,000 forints to mark the 175th anniversary of the birth of Gyula Benczúr.
By issuing the collector coins today, the mint wishes to pay tribute to the remarkable figure of 19th-century Hungarian historic and academic painting. The silver and the non-ferrous metal versions feature the same design, the only difference being their denominations. The selection of motifs on the coins highlights the characteristics of Gyula Benczúr’s art, his favourite motifs and a scene from one his most grandiose painting entitled The Recapture of Buda Castle in 1686. The collector coins were designed by applied artist Horváth Andrea.
The central motif on the obverse features an iconic figure from The Recapture of Buda Castle in 1686, the trumpeter cavalryman. On the painting completed for the millennial celebrations Benczúr depicts one of the most decisive victories in the Hungarian history of a thousand years. In addition of the portraits and attire true to his time, his patriotic thinking is also featured. On the obverse, the compulsory design elements of the coins are shown: the lettering ‘MAGYARORSZÁG’ (Hungary), the denominations 10,000 and 2,000 ‘FORINT’, the mint year 2019 and the mint mark ‘BP.’.
The Benczúr portrait on the reverse was inspired by the photo published on the front cover of the Vasárnapi Újság (Sunday News), on 4 February 1912. Becoming one with the picture, a putto motif is shown on the left of the reverse from his painting Amor with roses of 1893. The motif was painted several times by the artist. The lettering ‘BENCZÚR GYULA’ and ‘1844-1920’ marking the artist’s birth and death, refers to the occasion of the issuance. The master mark of applied artist Andrea Horváth, the designer of the coin is hidden in Benczúr’s clothing.
Both collector coins are 37 mm in diameter. Their edge is reeded. The silver coin with a face value of HUF 10,000 is struck in .925 fine silver and weighs 24 grams. 5,000 pieces can be made of the silver collector coin in proof finish.
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