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200th anniversary of the birth of Jozef Maximilián Petzval

200 Sk Commemorative Silver Coin

Banknotes and coins, 200th anniversary of the birth of Jozef Maximilián Petzval
Banknotes and coins, 200th anniversary of the birth of Jozef Maximilián Petzval

Jozef Maximilian Petzval (6. 1. 1807 – 17. 9 1891) – physicist, mathematician, university professor, inventor, pioneer of modern optics and photography, was an important representative of 19th century science and technology.

His scientific and research work was devoted especially to optics. His main contribution was calculation of the correction of optical systems and calculation of complex optical systems. In 1840, he calculated the parameters for a new, substantially improved portrait lens, and later also the parameters for a landscape lens. These inventions substantially widened the possibilities for photography. He perfected the microscope and telescope, and constructed a projecting lens with great luminosity. He contributed to the development of acoustics, created the theory of the oscillation of stretched strings and concerned himself with analytic mechanics, especially with questions of the stability of bridges, funiculars and high buildings. He wrote a work about differential equations, many expert studies and articles. He was a member of the Academy in Vienna and of the Hungarian Academy of Sciences.

  • Coin description

    Obverse:
    The daguerreotype with a lens made according to Petzval’s calculations is depicted in the center of the coin obverse. The diagram of the optical system of the lens is on the background. The name of the state SLOVENSKÁ REPUBLIKA appears near the upper edge of the coin and the year of issue 2007 is to the right near the bottom edge. The state shield is to the right from the tripod of the photographic apparatus, the nominal value 200 Sk is to the left. The mintmark of the Kremnica Mint and the stylized initials of Karol Ličko, the designer, are located over the year of issue.

    Reverse:
    The portrait of Jozef Maximilian Petzval with a part of diagram of lens in which the mathematical formula is located are depicted on the reverse of the coin. His name JOZEF MAXIMILIAN PETZVAL is located near the upper edge of the coin, the years of the birth and death, 1807 – 1891, appear near the bottom edge.

  • Coin details
    Designer:Karol Ličko
    Composition:Ag 900, Cu 100
    Weight:18 g
    Diameter:34 mm
    Edge:inscription: “PRIEKOPNÍK MODERNEJ OPTIKY A FOTOGRAFIE”
    (Pioneer of modern optics and photography)
    Producer:Kremnica Mint
    Engraver:Dalibor Schmidt
    Issuing volume:4,700 coins in brilliant uncirculated quality
    2,500 coins in proof quality
    Issuing date:9 January 2007