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400th anniversary of the death of Juraj Turzo

€10 silver collector coin

Banknotes and coins, 400th anniversary of the death of Juraj Turzo
Banknotes and coins, 400th anniversary of the death of Juraj Turzo

Juraj Thurzo (2. 9. 1567 – 24. 12. 1616), a statesman, diplomat, leader in the war with the Ottomans, man of learning and patron of culture and religion, was one of the most powerful magnates in Hungary at the turn of the 16th and the 17th centuries. He was the hereditary district governor of Orava County and the owner of the Orava, Lietava, Bytča and Tokaj estates. As a soldier, he fought in numerous battles with the Ottomans, but he also took part in diplomatic missions and served as a counsellor to Rudolph II, the Holy Roman Emperor. In 1609 he was elected Palatine of Hungary, which was the highest secular office in the Kingdom of Hungary. All his life he supported education and the Lutheran faith. He lived mainly at Bytča, where he completed the reconstruction of the manor-house, and built the Wedding Palace, a church and other buildings in the town. He also endowed a local school, which provided a high standard of education. Thurzo also supported the publication of books and other printed works. In 1610, a synod met in Žilina under his patronage, which laid the basis for the organisation of the Lutheran Church in Upper Hungary.

  • Coin description

    Obverse:
    The obverse of the coin shows an equestrian figure of Juraj Thurzo. Behind him is a contempo-rary view of Lietava Castle from a bird’s-eye perspective. The national emblem of Slovakia is at the right edge of the coin. The name of the state, SLOVENSKO, and the year 2016 are inscribed at the edge of the coin. The Kremnica mint mark, MK, is on the left side of the coin. Below, there are the initials of the name and surname of the coin’s designer Peter Valach.

    Reverse:
    The reverse of the coin features a portrait of Juraj Thurzo in the right part of the coin complemented by elements of his historical coat of arms. At the edge of the coin the name JURAJ THURZO is situated. The year of Juraj Thurzo’s birth, 1567, is depicted under his name and the year of his death, 1616, is under his surname. The coin’s denomination, 10 euro, is in two lines at the bottom left of the coin.

  • Coin details
    Designer:Peter Valach
    Composition:.900 silver, .100 copper
    Weight:18 g
    Diameter:34 mm
    Edge:• VIVIT POST FUNERA VIRTUS
    (Virtues survive death)
    Producer:Kremnica Mint
    Engraver:Dalibor Schmidt
    Issuing volume:3,100 coins in brilliant uncirculated quality
    5,400 coins in proof quality
    Issuing date:21 October 2016