Hungary: Latest National Memorial Sites Coins Features Historic Benedictine Archabbey Of Pannonhalma

Launched in 2014 at the initiative of the National Heritage Institute, the coins highlight various national sites and landmarks in the country that have either specific cultural or regional significance. The release of the eleventh coin in the series coincides with the 800th anniversary of the medieval reconstruction and consecration of the monastic church and the 10th anniversary of the dedication of the Archabbey as a national memorial site. 

For 2024, the series focuses on the Benedictine Archabbey of Pannonhalma or, in Hungarian Pannonhalmi Bencés Főapátság. The site is regarded as the cradle of Hungarian Christianity and is an important spiritual focal point of the country. Its famous school has a thousand-year history, and one of the world’s largest monastic libraries is located here. Located in the small town of Pannonhalma, which is 100 kilometres or 60 miles west of Budapest, in north western Hungary, the famed landmark was constructed in both the Baroque and Gothic styles on top of a hill overlooking many nearby towns and villages. The monastery was founded in 996 by Prince Géza in honour of St. Martin of Tours. Consecrated around 1003, the church burnt down several times during the first centuries, and has had to be rebuilt three times due to the historical events. According to written sources, the church was restored and consecrated 800 years ago in 1224. Apart from brief historical interruptions, the monastery has been the home of the Benedictine monastic community for more than a millennium. The 800-year-old medieval church, which has survived intact, is still a place of worship for the monks. The Archabbey, which is the second largest territorial abbey in the world, after the one in Monte Cassino became national memorial site ten years ago in 2014.

The coins are produced by the Mint of Hungary at their facilities in Budapest on behalf of the National Bank and designed by Balázs Bitó. The obverse side depicts the building complex of the Benedictine Archabbey of Pannonhalma and its surroundings in the central field, with a border. Just below in the lower centre within the border is the coat of arms of the Hungarian Benedictines. Above the primary design along the upper rim is the inscription PANNONHALMI BENCÉS FŐAPÁTSÁG separated by the emblem of the national memorials coin series NEMZETI EMLÉKHELY (Benedictine Archabbey of Pannonhalma and National Memorial Site). Below the right side of the Archabbey is the initials BB of the coins’ designer. The reverse side features a detail of the founding letter of the Benedictine Archabbey of Pannonhalma, in the centre with a partial border. On the right-hand side interrupting the border is a statue depicting St. Maurus of Pannonhalma sculpted by Géza Stremeny, which emerges from a supporting pillar of the Basilica of St. Martin of Pannonhalma. To the left of the primary design along the rim is the denomination 3000 FORINT and above the primary design is the additional text MAGYARORSZÁG (Hungary). Below the design along the lower rim is the year of issue 2024 and the mint mark BP denoting the Mint in Budapest.

Available from the 28^th August, the coin which is sold for its face value, is produced with a bronze plating and using an antique finish. Each coin is encapsulated and accompanied with a certificate of authenticity. For additional information, please visit the e-webshop of the Mint of Hungary.

Collectors in Budapest can also purchase the coin at the retail store of the Mint of Hungary at 7 Báthory street, Budapest, district V.