A New 100 Forint Coin Enters Circulation!
A New 100 Forint Coin Enters Circulation!
Commemorating the 100th Anniversary of the Birth of László Nagy
László Nagy was one of the most prominent Hungarian poets of the 20th century. In addition to writing numerous poems, he was also active as a literary translator and graphic artist. He was a posthumous member of the Digital Literary Academy and the recipient of both the Kossuth Prize and the Attila József Prize. To mark the 100th anniversary of his birth, the Hungarian National Bank is issuing 1 million 100-forint circulation coins. These new coins will soon appear in everyday transactions and become part of the public’s daily use.
At the center of the thematic side of the coin is a portrait of László Nagy, based on a 1971 photograph taken by art photographer Demeter Balla. Behind the portrait is a graphic composition depicting a Pegasus and its closely embracing rider. This design is based on the manuscript draft and accompanying illustration of László Nagy’s 1976 poem Psalm, Only One. Above the image, in the outer ring, appears the first line of the manuscript: “Lord God, I speak to you.” The artwork featuring the Pegasus and the poem draft was also published in facsimile form in the posthumous 1980 volume An Attempt Against Sorrow. On the right side of the inner circle, arranged in an arc, the years “1925–1978” are inscribed, marking the poet’s birth and death. In the outer ring, the inscription “NAGY LÁSZLÓ” runs along the right-hand side, while on the left appears “MAGYARORSZÁG” (Hungary), referring to the issuer, and beneath it the year of issue, 2025, displayed horizontally.
The technical specifications of the coin are identical to those of the standard 100-forint coin currently in circulation. The bi-color alloy coin has an outer ring made of 65% copper, 15% nickel, and 20% zinc, while the inner core is composed of 75% copper, 4% nickel, and 21% zinc. The outer diameter of the coin is 23.8 mm, and the diameter at the junction of the outer and inner sections is 15.3 mm. It has a rim thickness of 2.6 mm, a weight of 8.6 grams, and a reeded edge.
The release of this commemorative coin is not only a cultural highlight for literature enthusiasts but also a practical consideration for those working in cash handling. The circulation of 1 million new 100-forint coins means they will soon appear in retail registers, coin-operated machines, and coin-counting devices.
Our EuroCash EC-700 professional coin counter and sorter is fully equipped to handle these new commemorative coins. The device automatically recognizes, sorts, and counts the full range of Hungarian forint coin denominations, including the 100-forint piece. Thanks to its robust construction and high-precision sensors, the EC-700 remains reliable even when newly issued or visually distinct coins enter circulation.
Although the 2025 László Nagy commemorative coin is technically identical to the familiar 100-forint version, one question often arises: Will coin-counting machines recognize the new design? The answer is yes. The EC-700 identifies the coins based on consistent dimensions, weight, and alloy composition, ensuring accurate detection of the new design as well.
This is especially important for those who process large volumes of coins—such as currency exchange businesses, retail chains, or public transport operators. The EC-700 not only saves time but also enhances the accuracy and security of cash management, even when recently released commemorative coins make their way into everyday circulation.
