Hungary 500 Forint Banknote – Ferenc Rákóczi II & Sárospatak Castle (1998 Issue)
Pick# 179 | Numista Ref. N#217050
Issued by the Hungarian National Bank in 1998, this 500 forint note belongs to the modern Republic era and represents the final pre‑redesign version of the denomination before the 2000s security upgrades. Printed by the Hungarian Banknote Printing Company, it blends historical portraiture with detailed engraving and a rich brown‑violet colour scheme.
Design Highlights
Obverse
Brown‑violet and brown on a multicolour underprint
Portrait of Prince Ferenc Rákóczi II, leader of the early‑18th‑century Hungarian uprising against Habsburg rule
Crowned arms at left centre
Latent image in the upper‑left cartouche
Artist credits: Mányoki Á. pinx. (original painter Ádám Mányoki)
Engraver and designer: Károly Vagyóczky
Latin script throughout
Reverse
Detailed engraving of Sárospatak Castle, one of Hungary’s most important Renaissance fortresses and a symbol of Rákóczi family heritage
Engraver: György Pálinkás
Designer: Károly Vagyóczky
Latin script with clear denomination markings
Colour & Style
Dominant brown‑violet palette with soft multicolour shading
Strong engraved lines typical of late‑1990s Hungarian banknotes
Balanced composition linking national history with architectural heritage
Key Specifications
Feature Description
Country Hungary
Issuer Hungarian National Bank
Period Republic (1989–present)
Type Standard circulation banknote
Year 1998
Denomination 500 Forint
Currency Forint (1946–present)
Composition Paper
Size 154 × 70 mm
Shape Rectangular
Demonetized 31 October 2019
References P# 179
Watermark Ferenc Rákóczi II
Printer Hungarian Banknote Printing Company
Security Features
Watermark portrait of Rákóczi II
Security strip with MAGYAR NEMZETI BANK repeating text
Fine‑line engraving and multicolour underprint
Latent image on obverse
Why Collect This Note
The 1998 500 forint note is appreciated for its historical depth and transitional design:
Features one of Hungary’s most important national heroes
Showcases Sárospatak Castle, a major cultural landmark
Represents the final pre‑upgrade version before the 2000s security redesign
Demonetization in 2019 has increased collector interest
Strong engraving quality and attractive colour palette
Collectors of modern Central European currency often consider this note essential for a complete late‑20th‑century Hungarian set.
