2064) "Maurice Benyovszky (1741-1786), Explorer", Hungary: 280th Birth Anniversary Commemoration: 10,000 Forint Silver and 2,000 Forint Cupro-nickel Coins celebrate the milestone: Date/Year of Coins issue: 20.09.2021:
Maurice Benyovszky (1741-1786):
The Header/Banner showcasing the Silver Coins issued on Benyovszky by the Magyar Nemzeti Bank, against a background of his portrait
The Magyar Nemzeti Bank (Hungarian National Bank) has on 20.09.2021, issued commemorative coins to celebrate the 280th Birth Anniversary of one of the greatest 18th-century travellers and explorers of the world and a Hungarian national hero - Maurice Benyovszky (1741-1786).
During his adventures, Maurice Benyovszky explored four different parts of the world and by virtue of his geographical discoveries, he was included or referenced in the history of several countries.
Benyovszky is recognised for different achievements including the first account of the geography, ethnography, and zoology of Siberia’s Kamchatka Peninsula, as well as, the detailed description of the island of Formosa (Taiwan) and promoted its existence in Europe.
He also showed great acumen in terms of his exceptional diplomatic skills and often met with the leading political figures of the 18th century.
The time he spent on the island of Madagascar was a crucial and pivotal time in his life and while on the island, he attempted to encourage the peoples warring over tribal differences to make peace without the use of arms and attacking each other.
Despite his diplomatic ability, he was unsuccessful and lost his own life on the 23/24.05.1786, when he was ambushed and killed by French troops stationed in Mauritius fearing additional disruptions in trade.
His legacy:
Benyovszky left a personal legacy with his autobiography titled - "Memoirs and Travels of Mauritius Augustus Count de Benyovszky", which was posthumously published in two volumes in 1790.
The work was met with scepticism and disdain, but turned out to be a great publishing success and was translated into several languages, until its last publication in 1888.
During his lifetime, he described himself as both a Hungarian by virtue of his birth and a Pole due to his heritage.
He was also born in a town which is now part of present-day Slovakia and by these circumstances, Benyovszky is considered a national hero in all three of these countries.
The Commemorative Coins:
On the Reverse of the 10,000 Forint (Sterling Silver) and 2,000 Forint (cupro-nickel) Coins, the central motif of the features a frigate sailing on the raging sea symbolising his sea voyages in the 18th century.
In the background, there is a section of a schematic representation of a compass referring to the globe trotter’s travels.
On the periphery of the coin, in a semi-circular upper legend, starting slightly to the right from the horizontal centre line is the mint year ‘2021’, the mint mark ‘BP.’ and the inscription ‘MAGYARORSZÁG’ (Hungary) as well as after a stylised turn symbol the denominations ‘10,000’ and ‘2,000’ and the letters ‘FT’.
On the Reverse of the 10,000 Forint (Sterling Silver) and 2,000 Forint (Cupro-nickel) Coins is depicted a front-facing portrait of Count Maurice Benyovszky wearing armour and is based on a miniature painting of the explorer believed to have been painted 10 years before his death.
In the background, a section of a map is seen displaying the years and itineraries of Benyovszky’s travels including Madagascar.
To the right of the portrait are the years of the world traveller’s life years - "1741–1786".
On the periphery of the coin and above the primary design is the text "GRÓF BENYOVSZKY MÓRIC" (“Count Maurice Benyovszky”).
Shown on the lower part of the armour is the personal insignia of the coins’ designer Gábor Kereszthury.
i) The specifications of the 10,000 Forint Silver Coin are:
Country of issue: Hungary; Year: 2021; Coin Theme: "GRÓF BENYOVSZKY MÓRIC" (“Count Maurice Benyovszky”)"; Denomination/Face Value: 10,000 Forint (FT); Metal Composition: .925 Fineness Silver (Ag); Weight: 31.4 grams; Diameter/Size: 38.6 mm; Coin Quality: Proof (P); Minted By: Mint of Hungary; On behalf of: Magyar Nemzeti Bank (Hungarian National Bank); Mintage: 10,000 pieces; Designer: Gábor Kereszthury.
i) The specifications of the 2,000 Forint Sterling silver Coin are:
Country of issue: Hungary; Year: 2021; Coin Theme: "GRÓF BENYOVSZKY MÓRIC" (“Count Maurice Benyovszky”)"; Denomination/Face Value: 2,000 Forint (FT); Metal Composition: Cupro-nickel (CuNi); Weight: 30.8 grams; Diameter/Size: 38.6 mm; Coin Quality: Brilliant Uncirculated (BU); Minted By: Mint of Hungary; On behalf of: Magyar Nemzeti Bank (Hungarian National Bank); Mintage: 10,000 pieces; Designer: Gábor Kereszthury.
Santosh Khanna has commented:
ReplyDelete"Great post! Thanks for sharing this interesting post."
Thank you so much, Khanna sahab.
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