Two paintings by one master on a single coin: the 2000 forint of 2015, issued for the 150th anniversary of István Csók’s birth, pairs his spring allegory with a self-portrait from his studio. Over his long career Csók (1865–1961) became one of the most decorated Hungarian painters at home and abroad.

The centre of the obverse carries a detail of «A tavasz ébredése», «The Awakening of Spring», with the value, FORINT and MAGYARORSZÁG in three lines above it and the date and BP. mint mark at lower right. The reverse shows a mirrored detail of «Műteremsarok», «Studio Corner», with the artist’s self-portrait, while CSÓK ISTVÁN and the years 1865 and 1961 sit on raised bands to the left.

The Magyar Nemzeti Bank issued the coin on 27 February 2015 alongside a 10,000 forint silver version. Both designs are by sculptor Mihály Fritz, and the copper-nickel coin was struck in 5,000 pieces.

This is a coin for collectors of painting on coins: an uncommon case of two different works by the same artist reproduced on the two sides. It also extends a run of Hungarian commemorative issues of 2015.

Grade UNC: the coin never circulated, the fine modelling of the painted scenes is untouched by wear and the mint lustre is intact.

The VPcoins catalogue features coins from many countries, making it easy to build a collection by geography or by subject.