Hungary has launched its first gold coin for 2024, celebrating Saint Kinga, a significant figure in the country’s history. This special coin is part of a series that honors saints from Hungary’s Árpád Dynasty. Alongside the gold coin, there’s also a lower-cost version made from base metals. Both coins commemorate the 800th anniversary of St. Kinga’s birth and showcase important aspects of her life and legacy.
| Feature | Details |
|---|---|
| Coin Name | Gold Coin Dedicated to Saint Kinga |
| Denomination | 100,000 Forint (Gold Coin) |
| Metal Composition | .986 Fine Gold |
| Mintage Limit | 2,000 pieces |
| Retail Price | $725 each |
| Companion Coin | 3,000 Forint (Uncirculated Base Metal Coin) |
| Companion Coin Mintage | 5,000 pieces |
| Companion Coin Price | $19.95 each |
| Designer | E. Tamás Soltra |
| Release Date | August 6, 2024 |
| Historical Significance | 800th Anniversary of St. Kinga’s Birth |
| Patronage | Patroness of Salt Miners |
| Key Historical Events | Supported the fight against the Mongol invasion, opened salt mines in Poland |
| Tax | 6% sales tax for Vermont residents |
| Shipping Fee | $6.50 for all orders |
About the Coins
The new 100,000-forint gold coin is made of fine gold (0.986 purity) and is designed to honor St. Kinga, who is the patroness of salt miners. This is not the only coin released; there is also an Uncirculated copper-nickel-zinc coin valued at 3,000 forint, which features a similar design.
The Story of Saint Kinga
Saint Kinga was the first child of King Béla IV of Hungary and Maria Laskarina, a Byzantine princess. She later married Bolesław V, who was the High Duke of Poland. St. Kinga played a crucial role during the Mongol invasion in 1241, supporting efforts to defend her homeland. After the invasion, she established a salt mine in Wieliczka, near Kraków, using miners from Hungary to help.
One of the most famous legends about her is how her engagement ring was dropped into a salt mine in the Máramaros region. Remarkably, miners later found it in the Wieliczka salt mine.
Design Features of the Coins
The obverse side of the gold coin features an image of St. Kinga, inspired by a sculpture created by Dávid Tóth. She is depicted holding a lily, a symbol of purity. To her left is a ring with vertical lines extending to the edge of the coin, representing the entry to a salt mine.
The reverse side shows a view of the Ószandec monastery, encircled by an engagement ring, with the word “ÓSZANDEC” below. This side also features a pattern of salt crystals and the name “WIELICZKA” integrated into the design, along with the designer’s mark, E. Tamás Soltra.
Availability and Pricing
This gold coin has a limited mintage of 2,000 pieces, each priced at $725. The Uncirculated version has a larger mintage of 5,000 pieces and sells for $19.95. Residents in Vermont must add a 6% sales tax, and there is a $6.50 shipping and handling fee for all orders.
To order or learn more about these coins, you can visit the distributor’s website
Conclusion
The release of Hungary’s first gold coin in 2024 not only honors St. Kinga but also highlights an important part of the country’s history. With its beautiful design and limited availability, this coin is a valuable collectible for enthusiasts and a reminder of St. Kinga’s legacy in supporting salt miners. Coins like these connect people to their heritage and celebrate the stories that shape nations. Whether you’re a collector or just interested in history, this coin is a significant addition to the rich tradition of coinage in Hungary.
FAQs
1. Who is Saint Kinga?
Saint Kinga was a Hungarian princess and the wife of Bolesław V, High Duke of Poland. She is known for her contributions to the salt mining industry and for supporting the defense against the Mongol invasion in 1241.
2. What is the significance of the new gold coin?
The gold coin commemorates the 800th anniversary of Saint Kinga’s birth and highlights her legacy as the patroness of salt miners. It is part of a series honoring saints from the Árpád Dynasty.
3. What is the price of the gold coin?
The gold coin is priced at $725. Additionally, there is a companion Uncirculated coin available for $19.95.
4. How many coins are being produced?
There will be 2,000 pieces of the gold coin and 5,000 pieces of the Uncirculated coin available for purchase.
5. Where can I buy the coin?
Yes, Vermont residents must add a 6% sales tax to their orders.