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1 Poltura - Francis II Rákóczi
| Issuer | Hungary |
|---|---|
| Year | 1705-1707 |
| Type | Standard circulation coin |
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| Reverse description | The Virgin Mary, Patrona Hungariae, is depicted seated and facing slightly left, wearing a crown and holding the Christ Child on her right arm. The Infant is also crowned and raises one hand in blessing. The figures are rendered in low relief without a surrounding pearl circle, set within a plain field. The circular Latin legend PATRONA HUNGARIAE runs along the rim, identifying the Virgin as the Protector of Hungary. |
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| Reverse lettering | PATRONA · HUNGARIÆ · (Translation: Protector of Hungary) |
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| Additional information |
Francis II Rákóczi struck these copper poltura coins during the War of Independence against Habsburg rule, when his confederation controlled much of Upper Hungary and Transylvania. With no access to royal mints, Rákóczi established his own minting operations — principally at Körmöcbánya when it fell under his control in 1703 — funding a military campaign that at its peak fielded over 70,000 kuruc soldiers.
The copper coinage was deeply unpopular. Rákóczi's financial advisors pushed for acceptance by fiat, but troops and merchants alike distrusted issues unbacked by silver. By 1707, currency debasement had become a serious drag on the rebellion's logistics.