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Orbis Collectibles

Hungarian pengo coinage

DocumentedSupported by at least one credible specialist source.

Record status

Individual type · partial

Period

1926-1946

Issuing entity

Hungary

Hungarian pengő coinage comprises the metallic currency issued in Hungary between 1926 and 1945, denominated in pengő (P) and its hundredth subunit, the fillér (f.). Introduced to replace the inflationary Hungarian korona, the initial 1926 series featured bronze 1 and 2 fillér, cupro-nickel 10, 20, and 50 fillér, and 64% silver 1 pengő pieces.

Subsequent issues expanded the series with 64% silver 2 pengő coins in 1929 and 5 pengő pieces in 1939, alongside commemorative issues. During World War II, silver and base-metal alloys were replaced by cheaper substitutes including steel, zinc, and aluminium, culminating in an aluminium 5 pengő piece struck by the provisional government in 1945 before hyperinflation ended the series.

Evidence at a glance

Linked sources
2
Photograph views
1
Catalogue references
0

Counts describe this entry’s documentation, not authenticity, rarity or completeness. Photographs may show one specimen; check each caption and licence.

Historical context

Established by Act XXXV of 1925 as part of a post-World War I stabilization program supported by a League of Nations loan, the pengő officially replaced the korona on 1 January 1927. Pegged to gold, it was initially among the most stable currencies in the region until the Great Depression. During World War II, wartime budgetary demands placed the national bank under government control, causing precious metal and higher-grade base-metal coins to disappear from circulation in favor of cheaper substitutes. Devastating wartime damage and subsequent reparation requirements led to extreme hyperinflation, causing the pengő to be replaced by the forint on 1 August 1946.

Design

Note
Silver issues early in the period; base metal in wartime.

Identification

Note
Wartime issues use substitute metals distinguishable by colour and weight.
Recognition pointers (from background sources)
Look for denominations expressed in fillér (1, 2, 10, 20, 50 f.) or pengő (1, 2, 5 P). Check composition to distinguish eras: early 1 and 2 pengő pieces were struck in 64% silver, whereas wartime 1, 2, and 5 pengő coins were struck in aluminium. Observe wartime metal substitutions in minor denominations, where original bronze and cupro-nickel gave way to steel and zinc.

Documentation checklist

Denomination
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Issue or mint date
Recorded
Material
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Weight
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Mint or printer
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Mint or printer mark
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Catalogue reference
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Attached photograph (check rights)
Recorded

Recorded means a field is present, not independently verified. Read its wording, supporting source and the entry’s confidence level.

Catalogue references

No catalogue numbers recorded. Numbers are only published once transcribed from a verified edition of a standard catalogue — they are never inferred.

Research required

  • Denomination list, weights and finenesses require transcription from a printed reference.
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