3032) ERDÉLYI KOPÓ” (Transylvanian Hound), Hungary (2023): Fifth Coin in the "Hungarian Sheep and Hunting Dog Breed Coin Series" minted by the Budapest Mint: Date of Coin issue: 04.10.2023:
About the Hungarian Sheep and Hunting Dog Breed Coin Series:
The Hungarian National Bank has released the fifth coin, which is part of the popular and sought-after collector series entitled “Hungarian Herding and Hunting Breeds.”
Begun in 2019, the designs feature many canine breeds indigenous to Hungary, some of which have made their way to other parts of the world and are some of the most beloved and admired breeds.
The four coins in this series featured so far are - the "Komondor", "Vizsla", "Magyar Agar" and the Mudi, this working dog series has been popular the world over with breeders and owners.
This is the fifth issue in the "Hungarian Sheep and Hunting Dog Breed" 2,000 Forint Commemorative Coin Series being issued by the Budapest Mint on 04.10.2021. This Coin features the ERDÉLYI KOPÓ” (Transylvanian Hound).
All coins in the “Hungarian Sheep and Hunting Dog Breeds” Coin Series, thus far, have been on breeds originating in Hungary. The Coin Series objective is primarily to commemorate Hungarian Dog Breeds.
These dog breeds of Hungarian origin have found themselves transported and nurtured in many other parts of the world, particularly after the suffering endured during World War II (WWII), when some of them faced the end of the line due to dwindling populations.
Those post WWII migrations are the reason this coin series has been so widely popular world-wide. The breeds have found their way to many new regions of the world and their proponents are as loyal and loving as the dogs themselves.
The ERDÉLYI KOPÓ” (Transylvanian Hound) is an ancient Hungarian breed of hunting dog, shaped by its environment and the needs of hunters, which was rescued from extinction through focused breeding efforts.
This breed reached its zenith in the Middle Ages, when it was a popular hunting dog among the nobility, together with the Agar and Vizsla breeds.
Due to the varying terrain conditions back then, two height varieties were developed - the long-legged variety and the short-legged variety. These two were typically kept together.
The differences between them are in their size, colouring and coat.
The long-legged variety is generally black, with tan and white, and a longer, thicker coat. This variety was mainly used for hunting large game (boar, stag, bison, bears, etc.). Predominantly black with a coat of tan spots, often with points about the eyes, giving them the “eyebrow look,” they stand between 18 to 25 inches tall, measuring from the shoulder, most weighing in between 55 to 77 pounds. The males tend to be slightly bigger than the females, although the difference is slight.
The short-legged variety is usually yellowish red. It was generally used for hunting small game, such as rabbits and chamois.
As a result of hunting with scent hounds, chase hunting with packs of hounds was prohibited, and thus the breeding of hounds was abandoned.
By nature, the Transylvanian Hound is not suitable for chase hunting - two to four hounds hunt at the same time, typically independently, and thus the breed was still suitable for scent hunting, such as for boars.
Nevertheless, by the start of the 20th century the population had declined.
After WWII, due to social, economic and mainly political changes, the breed was no longer considered desirable and almost went extinct.
In 1968, efforts to save the breed were started, amidst difficult conditions. While the population has now stabilised, it is still classified as a vulnerable breed.
The Transylvanian Hound is a good-natured, courageous, intelligent and independent breed, but prone to stubbornness. It has great stamina, does not require much care and is a quick learner.
The breed has an outstanding sense of orientation. Its proportions, head shape, neck, strong, muscular limbs, tail and stance are typical for Central European hound breeds.
Its body structure is ideal for running long distances. It hates predators with a passion and is excellent at chasing and fixing quarry. It is faithful and will protect its owner if necessary.
The Coin:
These base metal coins have been minted by Hungary’s National Mint at their facilities in Budapest, on behalf of the National Bank, and have been designed by András Szilos.
The fifth coin follows the pattern of the first four, offering images of the ERDÉLYI KOPÓ” (Transylvanian Hound) on both sides of this legal tender 3,000 Forint Coin.
The specifications of this Coin are:
Country of issue: Hungary; Year: 2023; Denomination/Face Value: 3,000 Forint; Metal Composition: Gold-looking Alloy of Copper 75%, Nickel 4%, Zinc 21% (CuNiZn); Weight: 16.00 grams; Diameter/Size: 34.0 mm; Coin Quality: Proof-like; Minted By: Budapest Mint, Hungary; Mintage: 20,000 pieces; Designer: András Szilos.
- The Coin design follows the series pattern of showing the breed at work on the Coins' Reverse.
- The proof-like strike makes these coins quite attractive and the themes make them extremely popular.
- The Coins are encapsulated and presented in an attractive case/box accompanied by a Certificate of Authenticity (COA).
Links to posts on European Capital of Culture:
No comments:
Post a Comment