100 pengö 1930
Market Prices
192 salesAbout This Note
A pristine example of Hungary's 100 Pengö from 1930, issued by Magyar Nemzeti Bank on July 1st of that year. This uncirculated note features striking Art Deco design with vibrant mauve and rose coloring, depicting King Matthias in profile on the obverse and the grand Buda Castle on the reverse. The sharp, clear printing throughout and complete absence of wear, creasing, or damage make this an exceptional specimen that reflects the high standard of interwar Hungarian currency production.
Common. The eBay sales data provided shows consistent trading in the $0.99–$10.50 range for circulated and uncirculated examples, with catalogue values (2016) listing UNC specimens at only $4. PMG-graded examples in high grades (65–67) command $20–120, reflecting quality premiums rather than inherent rarity. Large print runs characterize 1930s Hungarian state banknotes, and this denomination remained in production for several years. No historical evidence suggests this issue was short-lived or recalled.
Issued during Hungary's interwar period under the Horthy Regency, this note commemorates King Matthias I (Mátyás Király), the 15th-century Renaissance monarch who represents the height of Hungarian medieval power and cultural achievement. The Buda Castle depicted on the reverse symbolizes the seat of Hungarian sovereignty and the nation's historical continuity, while the 1930 date marks a period of relative economic stabilization following the post-WWI hyperinflation and currency reforms that established the pengö in 1927.
This note exemplifies elegant interwar Art Deco design principles. The obverse features King Matthias I in left-facing profile within an ornate rectangular frame, flanked on the left by the Hungarian coat of arms—a shield containing the Holy Crown and cross, supported by two winged angels. The denomination 'SZÁZ PENGŐ' appears centrally within a decorative shield topped by a crown. The entire design is framed by intricate geometric borders incorporating Celtic cross motifs and diamond-pattern backgrounds. The reverse presents an engraved architectural scene of Buda Castle (Royal Palace, Budapest) set on a hillside with landscape elements in the foreground, centered within an elaborate ornamental frame topped by an eagle symbol. Large denominational shields containing '100' flank the central image on both left and right sides. Security elements include repeating '100' denomination text throughout the background and complex guilloche patterns in all margins.
FRONT SIDE: 'SZÁZ PENGŐ' (One Hundred Pengö); 'BUDAPEST, 1930. ÉVI JÚLIUS HÓ 1-ÉN' (Budapest, July 1st, 1930); 'MAGYAR NEMZETI BANK' (Hungarian National Bank); 'MÁTYÁS KIRÁLY' (King Matthias); 'A BANKJEGYEK UTÁNZÁSÁÉRT TÖRVÉNYSZÉKI BÜNTETÉS JÁR' (Counterfeiting banknotes is punishable by judicial penalty); Series: 'E 887'; Serial number: '008319'; 'ELNÖK' (President); 'IGAZGATÓ' (Director); Year references '1410' and '1490' (likely referencing King Matthias's reign dates). BACK SIDE: '100' and 'SZÁZ PENGŐ' (One Hundred Pengö, repeated); 'SZÁZPENGŐ SZÁZ PENGŐ SZÁZ PENGŐ' (repeated text as security feature); Repeating background pattern of denomination text.
Intaglio engraving (copperplate/steel engraving), the standard security printing method for Hungarian banknotes of this era. The fine line work, detailed portraiture, elaborate guilloche patterns, and varying line densities visible throughout the note are characteristic of high-security intaglio production. The crisp, sharp impression throughout suggests professional engraving and printing by Hungary's state printer or authorized security printer, typical of Magyar Nemzeti Bank issues of this period.
The observed specimen is the standard regular issue without asterisk in the series number ('E 887'), distinguishing it from the emergency issue P-112 (marked with asterisk prefix) produced under Ferenc Szálasi's wartime government. Serial number '008319' falls within the normal circulation sequence. No overprints, special markings, or variants are apparent on this particular note.
