These silver denar coins were minted in Hungary during the European Renaissance in the 16th and 17th centuries, at a time when Hungary was partially conquered by the Ottoman Empire. Displayed on the obverse side is the coat of arms of Hungary, while the reverse features the iconic image of the Madonna and Child: a depiction of Mary and her infant son Jesus. Adding the year to coins started gaining wider appeal in Europe at this time too, so the date that the coins were struck is also visible on most of these denars. Throughout the sixteenth century the Catholic Kingdom of Hungary fought a long and bitter war of survival against the Muslim Ottoman Turks. At stake was not only the independence of a Christian Hungary but also that of all Europe. Defeat at the Battle of Mohacs in 1526 and the loss of Budapest in 1541 were low points. It would be another century before lost lands could be regained. During this time, the Hungarian people endured with the help of their Christian Faith, the Madonna and Child on this small coin, used in everyday life is a symbol of that Faith.
