Hungary: Silver Proof Rectangular Coins Features Famed English racehorse Kincsem, ‘The Unbeatable Wonder Filly’

The new coins mark the 150th anniversary of the birth of Kincsem, who is remembered as ‘the unbeatable wonder filly’, and the pride of Hungarian horseracing and breeding. Thanks to her sporting success, this thoroughbred English racehorse bred in Hungary became famous around the world, winning every one of the 54 races she was entered in Hungary and other European countries. One of her most memorable victories came on the 1st August 1878 in Goodwood, England where she triumphed easily despite the difficult track conditions. Another remarkable win came just barely one month later at Baden-Baden, Germany on the 9th September 1878. After the first race ended in a dead heat, all of the competitors lined up for yet another match in accordance with the rules at that time. However, it was Kincsem who won the deciding heat by five lengths.

Born on the 17th March 1874 at the stud farm of Ernő Blaskovich, Kincsem’s calm nature was the secret to her string of victories as well as her extraordinary physical attributes and a training programme tailored to her individual characteristics. Her winning regiment was meticulously worked out by her trainer, Robert Hesp, but there seemed to be another well-kept secret of Kincsem’s success. Surprisingly, she was also supported by her favourite black-and-white feline friend, who was an inseparable companion in all her races and travels. Kincsem competed between the prime ages of two to five years, her career might have lasted longer but for an injury she sustained, Blaskovich decided to retire Kincsem from racing and leverage her outstanding traits as a breeding mare where she later produced five foals. The unbeaten wonder filly died on her birthday at the age of 13. Her trainer, Robert Hesp, outlived her by only 39 days, passing away on the 25th April 1887.

The rectangular-shaped proof and BU quality coins are produced by the Mint of Hungary at their facilities in Budapest on behalf of the National Bank. Designed by Gábor Kereszthury, his detailed depiction includes a recreated image of the four-year-old Kincsem with a laurel wreath around her neck, the design is based on a drawing by the painter Adam Emil. The rosette on the wreath bears the circular inscription 54 FUTAMON 54 GYŐZELEM (54 races 54 victories), with the numeral 54 in the middle, denoting Kincsem’s amazing record. The text MAGYARORSZÁG is shown above the primary design to the left along with the year 2024 and mintmark BP shown under this text. The denomination 15,000 or 3,000 FORINT is placed below to the lower right. The master mark of the coin’s designer, Gábor Kereszthury is seen just to the upper right corner. The reverse side shows a full-scale image of Kincsem based on elements of the 1878 painting by Adam Emil, highlighting her outstanding physical qualities. Farm owner Ernő Blaskovich is portrayed next to Kincsem, along with the filly’s best feline friend at her feet. The text KINCSEM is placed in a vertical direction to the left edge along with the commemorative text 150 ÉVE SZÜLETETT A MAGYAR CSODAKANCA (The Hungarian Wonder Filly, born 150 years ago) which is shown above the primary design and to the right.

Available from the 12^th March and purchased at their face values, each version is specially encapsulated and accompanied with a certificate of authenticity. For additional information, please visit the online webshop of the Hungarian Mint.