150th anniversary of the birth of Jozef Cíger Hronský

Silver 200 Sk coin

Jozef Ciger Hronsky (23.2.1896 Zvolen – 13.7.1960 Lujan, Argentina) is an important representative of modern Slovak literature. He is regarded as the pioneer of new trends in Slovak literary development in the 20th century. He is the author of extremely popular books for children and young people, collections of stories, novels and travel books. He was a leading representative of Matica Slovenska, the leading Slovak cultural and academic organization. He was responsible for its development programme, which pursued the general development of Slovak national culture. He was not only concerned with development of the membership base, but also with the creation of its academic departments and the construction of the Slovak National Library. Extraordinary achievement is attributed to Hronsky in connection with the development of publishing activity. He established the Neografia printing enterprise, at the time the most productive printing enterprise in Slovakia. It secured the financial independence of Matica Slovenska. He continued his activities for Matica in exile in Argentina. In 1959, he became a co-founder of Matica Slovenska Abroad.

Description of the coin

Obverse:
The nominal value of the coin and coat of arms of the Slovak Republic are placed in the middle of the coin in a rectangle. The name of the state, “SLOVENSKA REPUBLIKA”, is given in two lines above and below the rectangle. The year of issue and the abbreviation “Sk”, for the monetary unit, are placed to the sides.

Reverse:
A fragment of a portrait of J. C. Hronsky is placed in a rectangle in the middle of the coin, with an impression of the sun to its right. Hronsky’s name is given above and below the rectangle, with his years of birth and death to the side.