Hungary. Latest Silver Commemorative Coins Highlight HUNOR Astronaut Research Programme

Thanks to the HUNOR (an acronym for Hungary into Orbit) Astronaut Program, Hungary sent a man into space again after forty-five years. Research astronaut Tibor Kapu spent 20 days in Earth orbit as a member of the Axiom-4 mission, 18 days of which were on the ISS - International Space Station. On board, he conducted experiments for Hungarian universities, companies and research laboratories in the unique environment provided by the radiation and microgravity experienced in outer space, while his backup partner, Gyula Cserényi, supported the mission from Earth. Experiments conducted in space are also useful on Earth, promoting innovations in medicine, technology and materials science, among others. The Ax-4 crew returned to Earth on the 15th July 2025, after successfully completing their assigned mission.

The mission also contributed to increasing the international recognition of the Hungarian space sector and scientific life, and created new opportunities for Hungary to be part of one of the fastest growing sectors in the world. One of the main goals of the program is to inspire and encourage young people's interest in natural sciences and technology, to popularise space exploration and the importance of human spaceflight among the future generation.

The coins are produced by the Mint of Hungary at their facilities in Budapest on behalf of the Hungarian National Bank. Collectively designed by Graphasel Design Studio in Budapest, the obverse of both the base metal and silver coins depicts half-length front-facing centred photo-portraits of the two astronauts from the HUNOR programme shown in their flight suits. Tibor Kapu, research astronaut is shown on the left and Gyula Cserényi, trained research astronaut is seen on the right. Over each portrait are the names of the Astronauts KAPU TIBOR and CSERÉNYI GYULA placed along an inner circle. Above the primary design and along the upper rim is the inscription MAGYARORSZÁG and along the lower rim is the denomination 20000 FORINT (silver) or 3000 FORINT (base metal). To the left of the astronaut’s portraits is the mint mark BP denoting the Budapest mint and on the right is the year of issue, 2025. The reverse side design features a stylised image of the mythological miraculous stag - csodasharvas known in Hungarian mythology and folk traditions traditionally shown in the form of a constellation. To its right, a depiction of Earth representing Europe, including an outline of Hungary highlighted. Above the primary design is the mission emblem of the HUNOR program. To the lower left of the globe is the logo of Graphasel Design Studio and below along the lower rim is the commemorative text MAGYAROK A VILÁGŰRBEN 2025 (Hungarians in Space, 2025) 

Available from the 2nd December, both the silver proof and BU base metal coins are encapsulated and accompanied with a certificate of authenticity. A presentation case is available as a separate purchase. For additional information, please visit the e-webshop of the Mint of Hungary.