Budapest Money Museum’s Special Artifact: A Rich Addition
Nearly 80 years after its origin, an important written document of 20th-century Hungarian history has become an artifact to be preserved by the Hungarian Money Museum, as reported by Turizmus.com.
During World War II, the German invasion prompted the employees of the central bank (Hungarian National Bank) to take action. On January 23, 1945, they evacuated the state’s assets, including 30 tons of gold on the famous “Gold Train,” to prevent it from falling into the hands of the Germans or Soviets as spoils of war.
After reaching Austria, the central bank’s management sent an official letter to the U.S. forces requesting the preservation of these assets until the end of the war.
Frigyes Tarnay, the Chief Deputy Governor of the Hungarian National Bank at the time, and his partner risked their lives to deliver this letter to the U.S. military command.
Recently, Frigyes Tarnay Jr. approached the Hungarian National Bank to offer this document, which holds significance not only for his family’s history but also for the history of the 100-year-old central bank.
In a ceremony on May 21, 2024, Frigyes Tarnay’s sons living abroad generously donated the letter to the Money Museum.
Although historians were already aware of its existence and contents, this letter holds great historical and banking significance as the original document. The artifact will undergo a conservation survey to determine the necessary restoration procedures.
The donation of this important document showcases the dedication to preserving and honoring Hungary’s history, particularly the courageous efforts made during times of conflict and uncertainty.
