15,000 forint – 220th anniversary of Ferenc Deák’s birth

To mark the 220th anniversary of Deák’s birth, the ‘wise man of the nation’, the Magyar Nemzeti Bank is issuing a 15,000-forint silver and a 3,000-forint non-ferrous collector coins named ‘Deák Ferenc’. These coins also focus attention on one of the greatest achievements of the 1848–1849 Revolution and War of Independence: the formation of the first independent Hungarian government. 2023 marks the 175th anniversary of this event. The collector coins were designed by applied artist Balázs Bitó. The ceremonial issuance will take place as part of the academic conference Deák 220 Joggal a hazáért (Deák 220 - With Rights for the Homeland), organised by the Ministry of Justice. Ferenc Deák (17 October 1803 – 28 January 1876), known as the ‘wise man of the nation’ was born 220 years ago and was one of Hungary’s most renowned 19th-century politicians, who served as Minister of Justice in the first independent Hungarian government. In the spring of 1848, after the victory of the revolution, he played a key role in the creation of the modern, then civil state. He was also a leading figure in the period of passive resistance after the defeat of the 1848–1849 Revolution and War of Independence. He is perhaps most remembered for his leading role in a series of successful negotiations leading to the Compromise in 1867. In the next 50 years, a thriving economic and social development, material and spiritual prosperity took place in the dual monarchy established with his involvement. To mark the 220th anniversary of his birth, the Magyar Nemzeti Bank is issuing a 15,000-forint silver and a 3,000-forint non-ferrous collector coins named ‘Deák Ferenc’.