Budapest Anniversary
Coin
Those of you who attended our Budapest conference in spring of 1998 might
be interested in the newly minted coins celebrating Budapest's 125th
anniversary. In
1872, Hungary's Parliament called for a union of three cities on opposite
sides of the Danube: Buda and Obuda on the western bank, and the then
capitol city, Pest
on the eastern bank. Prior to the creation of Budapest, it was only
possible to cross the Danube by boat. Count Istvan Szechenyi, in a
desperate moment, was
known to have said "I would offer a year's income for a bridge between
Pest and Buda!" And thus was created Budapest's most famous landmark,
chosen by the
National Bank of Hungary as the centerpiece for the new 750-forint coin.
Dominating the cityscape background, is the beautiful chain bridge. The
other side of the
coin has a map of the city in relief, and the elegant municipal coat of
arms. Two issues are available: a 30 millimeter thick, 10 gram, .500 fine
silver coin, of which
3,000 will be minted ($17.50), and circulation quality ones, of which
12,000 will be minted ($15).
To order, contact the Hungarian Mint's official North American Office, PO
Box 1071, Clifton NJ 07014 (800) 421-1866. Add $4.50 for shipping.
