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The Hungarian korona is the official currency of Hungary, and it's essential to understand how to use it effectively during your trip. The korona is subdivided into 100 fillérs, although fillérs are no longer in circulation.
You can exchange your money for Hungarian korona at a currency exchange office or a bank. Many hotels, restaurants, and shops also accept major credit cards, making it easier to get by without a lot of cash.
To make the most of your trip, it's a good idea to have some local currency, especially for smaller purchases or when using public transportation. You can withdraw korona from an ATM using your debit or credit card, but be aware of the fees associated with international transactions.
Types of Hungarian Korona
The Hungarian korona has a rich history, and one of the most interesting aspects is the different types of korona that were used. The 1908 Hungary 100 Korona Gold Coin is a great example of one type of korona, minted from .900 pure gold and weighing .9802 Troy oz.
The 1908 Hungary 100 Korona Gold Coin is in Almost Uncirculated (AU) condition, which means it has minimal wear. This coin is a product of the historic Hungarian Mint, adding a layer of rich heritage to its value.
One type of korona you might be interested in is the paper money version. The first paper money printed in Hungary were 1, 2, 25 and 200 korona banknotes, similar to those issued in Vienna during the end of the war.
The 1908 Hungary 100 Korona Gold Coin carries immense historical significance, minted during the reign of Franz Joseph I, the longest-reigning Emperor of Austria and King of Hungary. This coin embodies a momentous period of European history.
Here's a breakdown of the different denominations of korona banknotes:
The 1908 Hungary 100 Korona Gold Coin is a tangible symbol of European history, and a precious item of numismatic interest.
Specific Denominations
The korona was a widely used denomination in Hungary, and understanding its specific values can be helpful. The Postal Savings Bank notes issued in 1919 included denominations of 5, 10, 20, 100, and 1,000 korona.
The 10 korona note, for example, measured 140 × 88 mm and featured a Phrygian head on the obverse. The 20 korona note was similar, but with a slightly larger size of 145 × 90 mm and also a Phrygian head.
Here's a breakdown of the Postal Savings Bank notes by denomination:
Austro-Bank Notes (1920)
In 1920, Hungary decided to start overstamping the common money. The Károlyi government had initially planned to start overstamping on March 21, 1919, but the establishment of the Soviet Republic postponed these plans.
Hungary used a red, round stamp to mark the banknotes. The overstamped banknotes were issued with denominations ranging from 10 to 10,000 crowns.
Some of the banknotes were issued with a boy model on the obverse and reverse, while others featured a female model. The dimensions of the banknotes also varied, ranging from 135 × 80 mm to 191 × 127 mm.
Here are the specific details of the overstamped banknotes:
The overstamped banknotes were used until they were eventually withdrawn from circulation.
Postal Savings Bank Notes (1919)
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The Postal Savings Bank notes of 1919 were a unique set of banknotes issued by the Hungarian Postal Savings Bank.
These notes were designed to prevent inflation by depositing the prewar high denomination banknotes of the Austro-Hungarian Bank at par.
The notes were issued under the decree of the Revolutionary Governing Council of the Hungarian Soviet Republic, and the Hungarian Postal Savings Bank acted as the emission bank of Hungary at that time.
One of the notable features of these notes is their dimensions, which varied depending on the denomination.
Here's a breakdown of the dimensions for each denomination:
The obverse and reverse of the notes also featured different designs, including a male model, a Phrygian head, and an allegoric composition.
State Notes (1920-1926)
State notes were first issued in 1921, and the designer was Ferenc Helbing. The banknotes were printed in Switzerland by Orell Füssli, Zürich, and in Hungary by the Banknote Printing Co. (Magyar Pénzjegynyomda Rt.) in Budapest.
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Low denomination bills, worth 1 to 20 korona, were printed in 1920 without a printer mark. The higher denomination bills, worth 50 to 25,000 korona, were printed with the ORELL FÜSSLI ZÜRICH mark.
The banknote size increased with the higher denominations, prompting the press to resize the banknotes. From 1923, smaller versions were printed with the same design.
The printer marks on korona state notes included ORELL FÜSSLI ZÜRICH, Magyar Pénzjegynyomda Rt. Budapest, and T. W.
Here's a list of printer marks on korona state notes:
- ORELL FÜSSLI ZÜRICH (printed on a 50 korona state note)
- Magyar Pénzjegynyomda Rt. Budapest (printed on a 100 korona state note)
- T. W. (printed on a 100 korona state note)
The low denomination series included banknotes with values of 1, 2, 10, and 20 korona. The 1 korona banknote was 129 × 65 mm in size and featured a female model.
Coins
Coins have a rich history, especially in countries like Hungary. The Körmöcbánya mint, which is now in Slovakia, was the only mint of Hungary until 1871.
The mint machinery was moved to Budapest and set up at different places before the Hungarian State Mint was created. This happened after the Treaty of Trianon.
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Only 10 and 20 fillér coins were minted as part of the korona system in 1919 under the Soviet Republic. These coins used the original Körmöcbánya coin dies from 1916 and 1918.
The 10 and 20 fillér coins were also minted in 1920 and 1921, but with the correct years of minting. However, they still used the same design and the K.B. Körmöcbánya mintmark.
Here's a list of some key features of coins:
- They can be made from various metals, such as gold, silver, or copper.
- Coins can have different denominations, such as 10 or 20 fillér.
- The design and mintmark on coins can vary depending on the country and time period.
Frequently Asked Questions
What currency did they use in Austria-Hungary?
Austria-Hungary used a variety of currencies, including Kreutzer, Heller, Corona, and Guldens (also known as Florins), throughout its existence. The empire's complex monetary system is a fascinating aspect of its history.
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