Hungary 10 Forint (István Széchenyi Centennial)
Country of Origin: Hungary (Second Hungarian Republic)
Year of Issue: 1948
Denomination: 10 Forint
Composition: Silver (.500 fine)
Brief Description
A silver commemorative coin featuring the portrait of István Széchenyi, issued to mark the 100th anniversary of the Hungarian Revolution of 1848.
Historical Significance
Part of a three-coin commemorative series (long with the 5 and 20 Forint) celebrating the centennial of the 1848 Revolution against the Habsburg monarchy. Széchenyi was a prominent statesman and 'The Greatest Hungarian'.
Estimated Value
$15 - $25 in circulated condition; $35 - $60 in Mint State (UNC)
Care Instructions
Handle by the edges only to avoid skin oils reacting with the silver. Store in a PVC-free numismatic flip or capsule. Do not clean or polish, as this will destroy the numismatic value.
Mint Mark
BP. (Budapest Mint)
Mintage & Rarity
200,000; relatively common but popular among collectors of Hungarian silver.
Weight & Diameter
20.0 grams / 34.0 mm
Edge
Lettered (inscription regarding the centennial)
Apparent Grade
Extremely Fine (XF) / About Uncirculated (AU). The coin shows visible hair detail and sharp lettering but appears to have surface marks and a slightly dull luster consistent with light handling.
Obverse (Front)
Denomination '10 FORINT', the name 'MAGYAR KÖZTÁRSASÁG' (Republic of Hungary), date '1948', and BP mint mark. Designed by István Iván.
Reverse (Back)
Left-facing portrait of Count István Széchenyi with his name 'SZÉCHENYI ISTVÁN' and the revolutionary dates '1848-49'.
What Drives This Coin's Value
Silver spot price, overall eye appeal (toning), and preservation of the fine details in the hair on the portrait.
Similar Coins
Often grouped with the 1948 5 Forint (Kossuth) and 20 Forint (Táncsics) silver coins from the same centennial series.
Authenticity & Counterfeit Red Flags
Verify the weight (20g) and diameter (34mm). Check the edge lettering for crispness. Replicas exist in base metal that lack the weight or 'ring' of silver.
Notable Varieties & Errors
There are different varieties in the edge lettering orientation and the 'BP' mint mark spacing, though most do not carry a significant premium.
Created At: 2026-06-14T15:48:23.982573