A pretty new issue from the Hungarian Mint showcases Kiskunság National Park, a UNESCO biosphere reserve covering an area of around 570km² across the Little Cumania (Kiskunság) region of the Great Hungarian Plain. Known for its shifting dunes and as a bird-watchers paradise, home as it is to many species of migratory birds. The Pied Avocet is one of the more famous residents, so its choice as the coins focus is a sound one. It’s actually a very nice depiction indeed, the use of floating flora and a reflection firmly grounding the bird in its habitat, and the sense of depth as the detail fades out into the background is expertly handled.

The obverse has a wider view of the park with the dunes in evidence, although there would be little to associate this with the park specifically if you were unaware of them. It does make a neat backdrop to the reverse face and overall, we like this Gábor Kereszthury designed coin a lot. It weighs in at an ounce of 0.925 sterling silver and is proof finished, with a 39.6 x 26.4 mm size. The mintage is capped at 5,000 pieces and it’s available now. In a particularly nice touch, it sells for under €30, which is a refreshing change these days.

LINKS: HUNGARIAN MINT PAGE