Money reproduction shall mean any tangible or intangible (virtual) representation that uses all or part of a banknote or coin, or utilises unique graphic elements of a banknote or coin, or in the case of a coin, was made using its theme, which may resemble or give the general impression of a genuine banknote or coin, irrespective of the size, material, colour or visual elements of the representation.
It is prohibited to make or have others make any reproduction which may be confused with any banknote or coin, or which resembles any coin in its graphic representation. This prohibition applies both at the time of the creation of the reproduction and its actual usage.
Furthermore, it is forbidden to use terms such as “coin”, “commemorative coin” or “circulating commemorative coin” in relation to a forint coin reproduction or in associated materials (e.g. packaging, commercial communications), as well as to modify any unique graphic elements of a forint coin for commercial purposes by any means (e.g. painting, engraving, gilding, silver plating).
Based on Article 26 (1) of Act CXXXIX of 2013 on the Magyar Nemzeti Bank (MNB Act) reproductions of banknotes and coins (including commemorative banknotes and collector or commemorative coins) that are in circulation or withdrawn from circulation by the MNB may only be produced in accordance with the provisions of the relevant decrees issued by the Governor of MNB.
The detailed rules governing reproductions are defined in respect of coins by MNB Decree 42/2024. (IX. 19.) and in respect of banknotes by MNB Decree 43/2024. (IX. 19.).
The production and use of reproductions are also subject to the Copyright Act.
In respect of the forint banknotes in circulation or withdrawn from circulation which are stipulated in the document “Declaration of assent by the copyright holder to forint banknote reproductions permitted without authorisation”, the MNB, as holder of the copyrights and holder of the rights of use pursuant to the formerly effective Act III of 1969, consents free of charge to the use of forint banknote reproductions, the production of which is not subject to authorisation. This declaration is available only in Hungarian here >>>>
The production of euro reproductions is governed by EU legal provisions – Article 2 of the Decision of the European Central Bank 2013/211/EU for euro banknotes, Articles 1-3 of the European Central Bank Guideline 2003/206/EC for euro banknotes, Council Regulation 2182/2004/EC for euro coins, as well as the design copyright protection for the common side of euro coins defined by the European Commission. These regulations are referenced in the relevant decrees issued by the Governor of the MNB.