Hungary: Fifth coin in popular “Hungarian Herding and Hunting Breeds” coin series features Transylvanian hound

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The Hungarian National Bank has released the fifth coin, which is part of the popular and sought-after collector series entitled “Hungarian Herding and Hunting Breeds.” Launched in 2019, the designs feature many canine breeds indigenous to Hungary, some of which have made their way to other parts of the world and are some of the most beloved and admired breeds. Featured for 2023 is the Transylvanian hound, considered a good-natured, courageous, and enduring breed. They’re also quiet and even-tempered but also determined and lively. Over centuries, it was the environmental conditions of the Carpathian Mountains which evolved the breed as a tough, brave dog. The Transylvanian hound is, in fact, an ancient Hungarian hunter created by special climate, terrain, and hunting conditions. The breed is admired partly due to its overall appearance, which their admirers believe reflects nobility and harmony. They are of a medium size with an athletic, lean, muscular, and exaggerated build, though their movement is said to be balanced and elegant. Their basic nature is calm yet firm, temperamental, and quite adaptable. Transylvanian Hounds also have a playful nature and friendliness that makes them an ideal family addition. Due to their adaptability, many dog owners have remarked this breed can live both in an apartment or house. The breed’s courage, intelligence, and loyalty make them good guard dogs and companions, as they are easy to train. However, it shouldn’t be forgotten the Transylvanian hound was initially bred for the purpose of accompanying hunters of game, as opposed to a dog working on a farm. With their keen sense of smell and hearing, this breed can easily track down any and all flocks of feathered fowl, burrows of hare, or wild boar. Despite having been popular among Hungarian royalty and hunters of the aristocracy, the breed almost went extinct in the early 20th century. It is, unfortunately, still incredibly rare, and many researchers believe that the short-legged variety of Transylvanian hound became extinct. In 1968, an active effort to maintain and increase breeding began for the remaining long-legged Transylvanian hounds. Predominantly black with a coat of tan spots, often with points about the eyes, giving them the “eyebrow look,” they stand between 18 to 25 inches tall, measuring from the shoulder, most weighing in between 55 to 77 pounds. The males tend to be slightly bigger than the females, although the difference is slight.

The new base metal coins are produced by Hungary’s National Mint at their facilities in Budapest, on behalf of the National Bank, and are designed by András Szilos. The obverse side includes a detailed and expressive depiction of the Transylvanian hound, showing its attention to the left. Above the primary design is the text MAGYARORSZÁG (“Hungary”) placed along the upper rim. To the lower right of the depiction is the denomination 3000 FORINT and, further below, the year of release 2023 and mintmark BP denoting the Mint in Budapest. The reverse depicts two Transylvanian hounds in the pursuit of hunting wild boar in tall grasses. Above the primary design along the upper rim is the text ERDÉLYI KOPÓ (“Transylvanian Hound”).

Denom.	Metal	Weight	Diameter	Quality	Mintage Limit
3,000 forint	Cupro-nickel	16 g	34 mm	Prooflike	20,000

Available from the 4th October, the Prooflike base metal coins are encapsulated and accompanied by a certificate of authenticity. For additional information, please click here.

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