Hungary 1983 10 forint
Hungary joined the Axis during World War Two and was rewarded with defeat, devastation and Russian occupation. After several years of confusion, communist rule was imposed in 1949 and an uprising was crushed in 1956. The Hungarian regime remained loyal to Moscow until the general collapse of 1989-90. The ten forint (US$1 = 35 forint in 1982) was struck in various types 1956, 1971-89. This type is noted for 1983-89. The history of the statue on the obverse is rich in irony. Originally intended to be part of a memorial to dictator Admiral Horthy, it was repurposed by the Soviets as a glorification of the liberation of Hungary by the Red Army in 1945. After the fall of communism, the inscription was modified to honor "the memory of those all who sacrificed their lives for the independence, freedom, and prosperity of Hungary," and the Russian language plaque was removed.
Recorded mintage: 11,004,000.
Specification: 6.01 g, aluminum bronze, 23.4 mm diameter.
Catalog reference: KM 636.
- Michael, Thomas, and Tracy L. Schmidt, Standard Catalog of World Coins, 1901-2000, 47th ed., Iola, WI: Krause Publications, 2019.
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