2018-07-06 Fri

Hungary is going to release two coins to celebrate the 175th anniversary of the country’s “second national anthem, the Szozat which means “Appeal” or “Summons” in English. The coins will be released on 10th May which is also the anniversary date of the anthem’s premiere. Himnusz is the official anthem which is sung before important events or gathering while Szozat is sung at the end, which is why it is called the second national anthem.

Mihaly Varasmarty wrote the patriotic lyrics in 1836. Szozat’s music was composed in 1843 by Beni Egressy through a competition that was conducted by the National Theatre. The motto of the composition was “May every man be human and Hungarian!”

The song premiered on 10th May 1843 at the National Theatre and the winner was selected by the audience. The lyrics are directed to all Hungarians and the music highlights true emotions of the words. The new coins are dedicated to the poet as well as the music composer.

The obverse shows a design inspired by Miklos Barabas painting where Vorosmarty is writing the poem with the national flag in the background. Coat of arms of Hungary and a stanza of the anthem in Hungarian are also featured on the coin. The lines translate to “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!” The poet’s signature is inscribed below the lines.

The reverse features a portrait of Béni Egressy inspired by a Barabas painting with the old National Theater in the background. A part of the sheet music for the Szozat and composer’s signature are also featured. Gabor Kereszthury designed the coin whose mark is hidden in the design.

The Uncirculated copper-nickel 76.5 grams 2,000-forint coin can be purchased for $22.75 while the Proof .925 fine silver 77.76 grams 20,000-forint coin costs $108.95. Both versions have a diameter of 52.5 millimetres and a mintage limit of 5,000 pieces.

Image Source: Hungarian Mint