The 1848 Revolution in Hungary was a popular uprising against the Habsburg Empire. It was spearheaded by Lajos Kossuth through his political debates and public speeches. On March 3, 1848, inspired by the upheavals in Paris and Vienna, Lajos Kossuth demanded a parliamentary government for Hungary and a constitutional government for the rest of Austria.  

Hungary 10 Million B.- Pengo | 1946 | Source: Banknote World

The obverse of the 10 Million B.- Pengo Banknote from 1946 depicts a portrait of Lajos Kossuth along with the crowned coat of arms of Hungary. On the back of the note are stylized flowers and a dove in flight with an olive branch in its beak. 

Lajos Kossuth Important in 1848 Revolution | Source: Wikipedia

On March 15, the Hungarian revolution and the Springs of Nations started when young revolutionaries marched around the city of Pest, reciting the poem “Nemzeti Dal” and demanding more political rights, greater representation, and a separate Hungarian government.  

Hungarian Poet Sandor Petofi | Source: Wikipedia

The revolutionary poem “Nemzeti Dal”, which means National Song, was written by Hungarian poet Sandor Petofi whose portrait appears on the obverse of this 10-forint banknote from 1975. Sandor Petofi was also one of the most important figures of the revolution. 

Hungary 10 Forint | 1975 | Source: Banknote World

Another prominent figure in Hungary’s struggle for independence is Minister of Justice Ferenc Deak. Known as the “Wise Man of the Nation”, Ferenc Deak played a major role in passing the Compromise of 1867 which established the dual monarchy of Austria-Hungary that gave Hungary a greater degree of autonomy. 

Hungary 20,000 Forint | 2022 | Source: Banknote World

This 2022 version of the Hungary 20,000 Forint banknote honors Ferenc Deak. His portrait is depicted on the front design of the paper bill along with the Hungarian crowned coat of arms and a gold-to-green OVI ornament. The reverse features the Provisional Assembly of Hungary in Budapest. 

Leopold the Hogmouth: Silver 3 Kreuzer Coin | Source: Banknote World

This Silver 3 Kreuzer Coin was struck during the reign of the Holy Roman Emperor Leopold I who was the second longest-ruling Habsburg emperor. One side of the coin depicts a wreathed and armored effigy of the emperor, facing right. The other side of the coin has various designs with the most common element being the double-headed eagle and the coat of arms of the Habsburg Empire. 

Leave a Reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *