Ferenc Deák (17 October 1803 – 28 January 1876), known as the “wise man of the nation”, was one of Hungary’s most renowned 19th-century politicians and served as Minister of Justice in the first independent Hungarian government. In the spring of 1848, after the victory of the revolution, he played a key role in the creation of the modern, then civil state. He was also a leading figure in the period of passive resistance after the defeat of the 1848–1849 Revolution and War of Independence. He is perhaps most remembered for his leading role in a series of successful negotiations leading to the Compromise in 1867. In the next 50 years, a thriving economic and social development, material and spiritual prosperity took place in the dual monarchy established with his involvement. These collector coins highlight Deák’s legislative activities, since as a lawyer and minister, he played a leading role in the legislation and judicial work that brought about the transformation of civil society and the modernisation of the country. These coins also reference one of the greatest achievements of the 1848–1849 Revolution and War of Independence: the formation of the first independent Hungarian government. 2023 marks the 175th anniversary of this event.

Front: The obverse shows the wax seal of the Minister of Justice in 1848, as one of the guarantees of legislative authenticity. The legend reads “DEÁK FERENC AZ ELSŐ FELELŐS MAGYAR KORMÁNY IGAZSÁGÜGYI MINISZTERE”(Ferenc Deák, Minister of Justice of the First Independent Hungarian Government). The compulsory design elements: the inscription ‘MAGYARORSZÁG’, the value numerals ‘15000’, the mint mark ‘BP’ and the mint year ‘2023’ are also on the obverse.

Back: The reverse features a half-body representation of the statesman, inspired by a lithograph by Franz Eybl from 1842. Next to the portrait separated by a vertical line the years 1803 and 1876 are found, referring to his birth and death, along with his signature, completing the process of legislative authenticity. The legend contains one of Deák’s most well-known messages:“KOCKÁZTATHATUNK MINDENT A HAZÁÉRT, DE A HAZÁT KOCKÁZTATNI SEMMIÉRT NEM SZABAD”. (We can risk everything for the homeland, but we may not risk the homeland for nothing.) The link between the two sides of the coin is reinforced by the slightly asymmetrical positioning of the thematic elements, the seal on the obverse and the portrait on the reverse. The collector coins were designed by applied artist Balázs Bitó.