Replicas, modern forgeries and auxiliary materials
In addition to modern replicas and forgeries the youngest collection unit of the Coins Collection comprises objects which, although closely related to coins, cannot themselves be regarded as numismatic material.
Contact Dr István Vida, vida.istvan@hnm.hu and Dr Enikő Kovács, kovacs.eniko@hnm.hu
The coin was produced in Great Britain in the 1960s. Within the framework of an experimental archaeology project, the coin dies were manufactured using ancient techniques, and coins were struck with them accordingly.
In the 18th and 19th centuries, when this medal was cast, numerous historicising and classicising medals were produced for educational purposes and to satisfy collectors’ demand. In terms of their themes and imagery, these pieces often depict subjects that were not produced in antiquity—hence their classification as fantasy medals—or represent types that were difficult to obtain because of their rarity.
In 1892, the gold-based korona–fillér monetary system was introduced in the Austro-Hungarian Monarchy, consequently in the Kingdom of Hungary, too. The new currency comprised both precious- and base-metal coins, as well as paper-based means of payment. For storing this mixed currency, special cash registers were produced both coins and banknotes could be kept. In the lockable cash register shown here, the upper section contained vertically arranged slots holding coins ranging from 20 korona down to 1 fillér (heller), while banknotes were kept in the lower pull-out drawer. The work of cashiers employed in commerce, banks, or even post offices was greatly helped by the coin slots that were marked with progressively deepening notches, enabling the correct amount to be selected almost by touch alone, even without looking.
The korona monetary system, introduced in 1892, became so severely inflated as a result of the First World War that the introduction of a new currency became necessary in 1925. In 1924, the Hungarian National Bank was established as an independent central bank, and in 1925 legislation was passed providing for the introduction of a new gold-based currency, the pengő. Accordingly, from January 1, 1927, the pengő replaced the korona as legal tender. The conversion rate was fixed at 1 pengő = 12,500 korona. To facilitate conversion between the old and the new currency—alongside various conversion tables—conversion discs like the one shown here were put into circulation. On these devices, black numerals indicated values in paper korona (as coinage in korona was no longer in circulation due to inflation), while red numerals represented values in pengő. By rotating the pointer attached to the cardboard disc, the converted amount could be read easily.
