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Ronald Reagan Presidential Library, Simi Valley, CA.
Ronald Reagan Presidential Library, Simi Valley, CA.
500 Forint Béla Bartók
Ronald Reagan Presidential Library, Simi Valley, CA.
Ronald Reagan Presidential Library, Simi Valley, CA.

500 Forint Béla Bartók

Artifact ID1982.00882.02
Object Type Coin
Artist (Hungarian artist, born 1936)
Artist (Hungarian artist)
Date 1981
Medium Metal (silver)
Dimensions1 9/16 × 1/16 in., 0.88 oz. (40 × 2.3 mm, 25 g)
Physical DescriptionA silver 500 forint coin commemorating the centennial of the birth of Béla Bartók. The obverse has a bas-relief of a wooden headboard and a staff of music depicting the beginning notes of the composition "Allegro Barbaro" by Béla Bartók, sculpted by György Bognár. With text stating “MAGYAR NEPKOZTARSASAC BGY 500 FORINT 1981 BP.” The coin's reverse has a bas-relief of the head and shoulders of Béla Bartók, wearing a hat, laid over the continents, with text stating BARTOK BELA 1881-1945." Designed by László Kutas.
Historical NoteSilver medallion commemorating Béla Bartók (March 25, 1881 – September 26, 1945), the Hungarian composer and pianist. It was minted in Budapest, Hungary. Bartók is regarded, along with Liszt, as Hungary's greatest composer. It was given during a luncheon with Soviet immigrants in the Family Dining Room at the White House May 11, 1982.
Additional Details
Custodial History NoteThe item was a gift from a foreign official to President Ronald Reagan and First Lady Nancy Reagan during the Reagan administration. It was received through the Executive Office of the President Office of Correspondence and maintained there until its transfer to the National Archives in January, 1989 for deposit with the Reagan Presidential Library.
Use Restriction StatusUnrestricted
Use Restriction NoteReproduction or other use of these holdings or images thereof is unrestricted.
Country/CultureHungary
Related Links

Photograph: Luncheon for a Group of Soviet Immigrants in the Family Dining Room 05/11/1982 c07931-01   c07936-01   c07938-03  

Numista entry