500,000 forint - King Andrew I

The Magyar Nemzeti Bank is issuing collector coins named 'I. András király' (Andrew I. of Hungary) on the day following the holiday of the foundation of the state, with a face value of 500,000 forints in one ounce of gold, 15,000 forints in one ounce of silver and 3,000 forints as a non-ferrous metal version within the series of collector coins named ‘Országépítő királyok Árpád dinasztiájából’ (Nation-building Sovereigns from the Árpád Dynasty). Launched in 2021, the series aims to reconcile the different emphases of history as a science and historical public consciousness. Based on authentic motifs inspired by the period, the collector coins were designed by metal artist András Szilos. This exceptionally low mintage of 500 gold coins is the most valuable in this year's programme. The coins commemorate Andrew I of Hungary (1046-1060), who restored the Christian Church during the turbulent period following the death of St Stephen, without the country becoming a dependant of the Holy Roman Empire. In addition, he earned the title of 'nation-builder' by sharing the power with his brother, Prince Béla. He ruled as a male descendant of St Stephen, establishing the respect of the founder of the state and adhering to his values. In 1055, he founded a Benedictine monastery in Tihany and issued charters as a manifestation of his sovereignty, including the charter of the Tihany Abbey, which is considered the first surviving Hungarian document in the original and the first reminiscence of the Hungarian language. The tomb of the monarch can be found in the abbey's crypt. The ‘I. András király’ collector coins are the second in a series of coins named ‘Országépítő királyok Árpád dinasztiájából’, which is intended to present the most distinguished kings of the Árpád dynasty. The series focuses on 10 monarchs, with historical accuracy, and the Bank is scheduled to include a new addition every two years. In view of the thematic significance of the series, the Bank is issuing a collector coin in gold in an exceptionally small mintage of 500 pieces, but in order to promote education, the Bank is issuing a larger number of collector coins in silver and non-ferrous metal versions (5000-5000 pieces). The collector coins of Andrew I of Hungary are considered to be legal tender, but they do not serve circulation purposes, their primary role is to educate, with the focus on the sovereignty of Andrew I and his most significant achievements. The gold, silver and non-ferrous metal versions have the same design, the only difference being their denominations in addition to the material they are produced from.