Mystery cross
Patonce
The cross on the left is known in heraldry as a Patonce Cross. Simple design, yet charismatic; and we don't understand why it's not as popular as the related Fleur de Lis Cross.
However, its scarcity changes from 2014, at least in Hungary, after the national bank started emblazoning the centre of the 10,000 forint banknote with this design.
Patriarchal
But why?
The cross usually seen in Hungary is a double-barred cross of St. Stephan, which is retained on the banknote (left of centre). The double-barred cross is described on the Patriarchal Cross page and has served Hungary well for hundreds of years. So what is the significance of this new cross?
We contacted the Bank of Hungary and also their printers, but they didn't tell us the answer.
And they did not tell us for one of three reasons:
- They don't know.
This is most unlikely. Banknotes are usually designed after a great deal of consideration, and every little dot, line and colour almost invariably has significance.
or
- It's a State secret.
This is also most unlikely, and we're not going to entertain any trolls who write suggesting the cross is a subliminal message, a crop circle, or anything of that nonsense.
or
- They have more important things to do than answer our time-wasting questions.
We hope that is the case!
So, we're asking the question on this page.
If you know why this particular cross is on the 10,000 forint banknote, please email us