On Tuesday, the Hungarian National (MNB) issued commemorative coins in honour of biochemist Katalin Karikó and physicist Ferenc Krausz, both of whom were awarded the Nobel Prize last year.
In tribute to the two Hungarian Nobel laureates, the MNB released silver coins with a face value of 7,500 forints and base metal coins with a face value of 3,000 forints, as part of their series honouring Nobel laureates of Hungarian descent.
During his speech at the issuance ceremony in Budapest, MNB Governor Görgy Matolcsy praised the globally outstanding achievements of the two Hungarian scientists. He noted that
it was unprecedented since 1901 for two Hungarians to receive the Nobel Prize simultaneously,
and last year marked the first time a Hungarian female scientist was honoured with the award. Matolcsy remarked that the community at the central bank works in social sciences, particularly economics, striving to elevate monetary policy to the level of natural sciences. This is why these scientists are role models for it, he added.
At the ceremony, Katalin Karikó expressed that it was a great honour and something she had never dreamed of that the MNB would one day issue a coin bearing her portrait and name, much like she had never dreamed of going to America or becoming a Nobel laureate scientist.
Ferenc Krausz also expressed that he was greatly honoured to be given such recognition, saying it was deeply moving and humbling to see his face and name on a commemorative coin alongside those of John von Neumann and Dennis Gabor. He noted that it was both touching and somewhat embarrassing, adding that
he and Katalin Karikó would strive to live up to this recognition.
The commemorative coins, designed by three graphic artists, are available in limited editions of six thousand pieces each, with the silver coins in a proof finish and the base metal coins in a brilliant uncirculated finish. From Wednesday, the coins will be available through the sales channels of the Hungarian Mint. The silver coins can be purchased at face value for three months, while the base metal coins will be available for a year, subject to stock availability.
At the ceremonial issuance Katalin Karikó and Ferenc Krausz received honorary copies of the coins as well as one example each of the gold test strikes.
The MNB initiated the series honouring Nobel laureates of Hungarian descent in 2012. The year 2024 holds special significance in the history of the MNB as it marks the 100th anniversary of the establishment of the independent national bank, which will be celebrated throughout the year with a series of programmes and events befitting the anniversary and the bank’s history, as stated at the ceremonial issuance.
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