One thing I love about world coins is the variety of styles and designs. In this case, the simple yet elegant style of the “2” taking up most of the coin, with the smaller year and “FORINT”, the unit of currency in Hungary. The design is set off nicely by the scalloped edge of the design, inside the rim:

The obverse of the coin features the Hungarian coat of arms:

I like the used nature of this particular piece, but since I do quite like the design, I was pleased when I found this silver proof copy of the 1970 coin:

I wasn’t 100% sure it was genuine when I acquired it, but for a couple of dollars, I took the risk. As far as I can tell it is genuine. This silver version is listed as a “Restrike” on Numista, under Exonumia. If anyone knows anything more about these, do please let me know!

I originally included this coin on my cover image thinking both of the design I liked, and also of my good friend Tom, the Blind Coin Collector (You should follow his blog too!). In fact, I later realised the 2 Forint Tom had sent me was not this 1970 – 1989 KM #591. In fact, Tom had sent me the earlier, 1952 2 Forint. That is also a fine coin, so here it is, as well:

The reverse features a large 2, this time surrounded by a single-sided, 3/4 wreath.

The revesse features the early 1950s communist coat of arms. From Wikipedia: “Following the military forces of Nazi Germany in Hungary being defeated by the Red Army, Soviet military occupation ensued, eventually leading to the creation of a communist government in Hungary. Between 1946 and 1949 the Kossuth-style coat of arms was used, then the Hungarian People’s Republic introduced a new state coat of arms in line with socialist heraldry, with a layout closely resembling that of the Soviet Union’s.”

Three coins in one post! Which is your favourite?