Hungarian Coins for Centennial of the End of World War I

The First World War (1914–1918) caused the death of more than 15 million people in total, and while it was triggered by the assassination at...

The First World War (1914–1918) caused the death of more than 15 million people in total, and while it was triggered by the assassination at Sarajevo, the actual cause was the struggle to restructure Europe's system of colonialism and alliances. During the war, the Czar of Russia was overthrown in a revolution, and at the end of the conflict, the Austro-Hungarian Empire disintegrated and Germany’s territorial ambitions were dashed.

As one of the Central Powers, Hungary ended World War I on the losing side. The Károlyi government signed the Belgrade Armistice on November 13, 1918, which set the southern demarcation line, and the allied forces were allowed to advance to a designated point. Revolutions occurred in the defeated countries, including Hungary, overthrowing the governments in power. Hungary gained its independence, and on November 16, 1918, the First Hungarian Republic was proclaimed.

A .925 silver proof 10,000 forint with an issue limit of only 3,000 coins, and a patinated copper-nickel 2,000 forint coin have been created with three purposes: To honor the victims, the end of the war, and the proclamation of the 1st Hungarian Republic.

The theme the front of the coin is a Eurocentric map of the world, with the most important World War I battles involving Hungary marked with stars or the outlined names of the locations. The opposing forces and neutral countries are distinguished with different surface finishes on the coin. The ring structure on the front of the coin is also found on the back, where the central motif depicts a scene from the trenches, highlighting the static nature of that tragic conflict. The cross-shaped form of the trenches also memorializes the victims. The legend in the outer ring reads “100 ÉVE ÉRT VÉGET AZ ELSŐ VILÁGHÁBORÚ” (100th Anniversary of the End of World War I), with “1918-2018” in the lower circular legend.

Both coins are 38.61 mm in diameter. The silver coin is 31.46 grams, the copper-nickel one 30.8 grams. Prices are $62.50 and $18.50 respectively. There are 10,000 authorized of the latter. The first day of issue is October 16 and they will be available in November.

To order, or for more information on these and other coins of Hungary, contact the Hungarian Mint's North American Representative at P.O. Box 399, Williston, VT 05495. Toll-free 1-800-421-1866. Fax 802-536-4787. Email: mail@coin-currency.com, or click on the Hungarian flag at www.coin-currency.com for secure website ordering. Add $5.75 to each order for shipping and handling in the U.S.A. Shipping to other countries will be based on actual cost. Vermont residents add 6% sales tax. Those desiring to receive information and photographs electronically on a regular basis can provide their email address to mail@coin-currency.com.