Budapest, 12 December 2025 – To commemorate the 125th anniversary of Mária Telkes’s birthday, the Magyar Nemzeti Bank is issuing a non-ferrous metal coin with a face value of 3,000 forints, in honour of the world-renowned Hungarian-born scientist and solar energy researcher. The special, rectangular collector coin is the 14th piece of the popular non-ferrous metal collector coin-series presenting Hungarian scientists, inventors and their inventions.
Mária Telkes was born in Budapest. After finishing her studies, she worked on creating practical uses of solar energy as a teacher at the Massachusetts Institute of Technology. This was when she created the first experimental, exclusively solar-powered heating system designed for residences. She also has numerous other patents and other discoveries related to the utilisation of solar energy to her name. Her work has garnered numerous international awards.
The collector coin with a face value of 3,000 forints was designed by industrial artist András Szilos. The primary role of collector coins is to transfer value and raise awareness. They are not to be used in everyday payments.
Further details about the coins can be found on the MNB’s website.
Magyar Nemzeti Bank