Budapest, 05 January 2018 - On the basis of new thematic suggestions and the result of the open tender the Magyar Nemzeti Bank has modified its commemorative coin issuance programme for 2018. Continuing 4 previous series the central bank is planning to issue a total of 22 commemorative coins in 2018 including 11 themes. The programme features two gold, nine silver coins, a separate non-ferrous metal piece and non-ferrous metal versions of precious metal commemorative coins.
Two new themes have been added to the commemorative coin issuance programme for 2018: joining the programme series of the Year of Families the MNB will issue a silver coin to emphasize the role families take in shaping the society, as well as the values they carry. This year marks the 450th anniversary of the foundation of the Unitarian Church, the only church founded by Hungarians, and the central bank decided to issue a silver commemorative coin to honour that occasion. An additional change is that the theme of Hungary, initially included in the programme, has been postponed for an indefinite period. The tender launched for its design was not successful as the application material submitted by the Tenderers did not comply with the tender requirements with regards to their thematic or technical aspects.
Overall, the structure and the implementation of the commemorative coin issuance programme for 2018 is guaranteed to be diverse. The MNB will continue the series launched in previous years that were so popular with collectors, but outstanding historical anniversaries, and an international sports event that will hopefully stimulate wider interest will also be featured on the coins.
In line with the sales policy in effect since 2014 a non-ferrous metal version with a face value of HUF 2,000 of all precious metal commemorative coins will also be issued. This design will not only expand choice, but it will also help the promotion of the commemorative coins as well as their informative role due to their lower price more effectively.
The commemorative coins are produced and distributed by the Hungarian Mint Ltd. The coins included in the issuance programme for 2018 may be pre-ordered on www.penzvero.hu from 15 January 2018.
The MNB reserves the right to change any aspects of the programme. Final data will be determined by the decrees of the Governor published in the Hungarian Official Journal (Magyar Közlöny).