Hungary unveils commemorative coin celebrating 800 years of Pannonhalma Archabbey
The National Bank of Hungary (MNB) has recently issued a new commemorative coin in tribute to the Pannonhalma Archabbey, a UNESCO World Heritage site. This special 3,000-forint coin celebrates the 800th anniversary of the abbey church’s medieval reconstruction and consecration, as well as the 10th anniversary of its designation as a national heritage site.
The Pannonhalma Archabbey holds significant spiritual and cultural importance in Hungary, being considered the birthplace of Hungarian Christianity. Founded in 996 by Prince Géza in honor of St. Martin of Tours, the abbey is home to a thousand-year-old school and one of the largest monastic libraries in the world. Despite being rebuilt multiple times due to fire and war, the current church, reconstructed in 1224, remains a rare example of medieval architecture still used for monastic prayer.
The commemorative coin, designed by artist Balázs Bitó, is part of a series showcasing Hungary’s national heritage sites, initiated by the National Heritage Institute in 2014. The Pannonhalma Archabbey coin follows the series’ design principle, featuring an image representing the entire heritage site on one side and highlighting a characteristic detail on the other side.
On the front of the coin, a depiction of the abbey’s founding charter is accompanied by a sculpture of St. Maurus of Pannonhalma. The reverse side showcases the Pannonhalma Archabbey complex and its surroundings, along with the Hungarian Benedictines crest. Made of 90% copper and 10% zinc, the coin weighs 18.4 grams, measures 37 mm in diameter, and has a reeded edge. Only 10,000 coins will be minted in a bronze-patinated finish, available for purchase at face value for one year following its release on 28 August 2024.
Enthusiasts can acquire this unique coin at the Hungarian Mint’s coin shop in Budapest or through their online store. Don’t miss out on this opportunity to own a piece of Hungarian history and commemorate the rich cultural heritage preserved at the Pannonhalma Archabbey.
