2017-04-27 Thu

To celebrate the 40th anniversary of the Hungary's Bukk Mountains National Park, a 26.4 x 39.6 mm rectangular coin in two versions is going to be released. The 10,000 forint .925 silver Proof 31.46 gms has a mintage limit of 5,000 pieces and is priced at $68.50 while the 2,000 forint, 30.80 gms copper-nickel coin n uncirculated quality also has the same mintage limit but is priced $19.75. This coin would be the fourth release belonging to the National Parks of Hungary series.

The obverse features the emblem of the National Park and carline thistle while the reverse features the Szeleta Cave, which was the first site in Hungary where prehistoric human artefacts were discovered. A spearhead found in the cave, dated about 40,000 years ago is also depicted on the reverse.

Almost 95% of the protected area is forested majorly with turkey oak and oak. The Old Forest is known for its 180-200 years old beech trees, rare plants and animals, stemless carline thistle etc.

In Ancient times, people engaged in hunting and gathering but later ventured into mining, lime-kilning, production of potash glass, glass-working, iron smelting with bloomeries and foundries, timber and charcoal production, and making handicrafts. Remains from both Iron Age as well as medieval castles have been discovered in the area.