The Magyar Nemzeti — Hungarian National Bank has released (20th September) commemorative coins on the occasion of the 280th anniversary of the birth of one of the greatest 18th-century travellers and explorers of the world and a Hungarian national hero. During his adventures, Maurice Benyovszky (1741-1786) explored four different parts of the world and by virtue of his geographical discoveries, he was included or referenced in the history of several countries. Benyovszky is recognised for different achievements including the first account of the geography, ethnography, and zoology of Siberia’s Kamchatka Peninsula as well as the detailed description of the island of Formosa (Taiwan) and promoted its existence in Europe. Benyovszky also showed great acumen in terms of his exceptional diplomatic skills and often met with the leading political figures of the 18th century. The time he spent on the island of Madagascar for instance was a crucial and pivotal time in his life and while on the island, he attempted to encourage the peoples warring over tribal differences to make peace without the use of arms and attacking each other. Despite his diplomatic ability, he was unsuccessful and lost his own life on the 23rd or 24th May 1786 when he was ambushed and killed by French troops stationed in Mauritius fearing additional disruptions in trade.

Benyovszky left a personal legacy with his autobiography entitled Memoirs and Travels of Mauritius Augustus Count de Benyowsky, which was posthumously published in two volumes in 1790. The work was met with scepticism and disdain but turned out to be a great publishing success and has since been translated into several languages up until its last publication in 1888. During his lifetime, he described himself as both a Hungarian by virtue of his birth and a Pole due to his heritage. He was also born in a town which is now part of present-day Slovakia and by these circumstances, Benyovszky is considered a national hero in all three of these countries.

The coins, both the sterling silver and cupro-nickel examples, are produced by the Mint of Hungary at their facilities in Budapest on behalf of the Magyar Nemzeti Bank. Designed by applied artist Gábor Kereszthury, the obverse side features a front-facing portrait of Count Maurice Benyovszky wearing armour and is based on a miniature painting of the explorer believed to have been painted 10 years before his death. In the background, a section of a map is seen displaying the years and itineraries of Benyovszky’s travels including Madagascar. To the right of the portrait are the years of the world traveller’s birth and death 1741 – 1786. On the edge of the coin and above the primary design is the text GRÓF BENYOVSZKY MÓRIC (“Count Maurice Benyovszky”). Shown on the lower part of the armour is the personal insignia of the coins’ designer Gábor Kereszthury.

The reverse side features a frigate sailing on the high seas in reference to Benyovszky’s travels during the 18th century. In the background are elements of a compass referring to the globe trotter’s travels around the world. Along the edge of the coin and above the primary design is the text beginning with the year of the coins’ mintage, 2021, followed by the mint mark BP and MAGYARORSZÁG (“Hungary”) and the denominations 10000 (silver) or 2000 (cupro-nickel) and the letters FT.