Some life stories sound so incredible that you would expect them more in an adventure movie than in history books.
Móric Beňovský was a soldier, traveler, explorer, and adventurer whose life took him to various parts of Europe, Asia, Africa, and North America. He was born on September 20, 1746, in Vrbové and as a young man set out on a journey that eventually led him to distant Madagascar.
And it is precisely his Madagascan adventure that is commemorated today by a new Slovak silver coin.
Journey to the Other End of the World
When Beňovský was 27 years old, he reached Madagascar in the service of the French king. In Antongil Bay, he founded the settlement of Louisbourg, engaged in mapping the country and building roads. According to his own records, he managed to unite local tribes, support trade, and improve the lives of the inhabitants.
Then came the moment that turned his life story into a legend.
From Traveler to Great King
In October 1776, according to his records, an assembly of tribal kings elected him as their leader and great king – ampansakabé.
His story was far from over. Beňovský gained significant status in Europe as well – Louis XVI appointed him a general, and Maria Theresa granted him the title of count. He later left a literary testimony of his travels in the work Memoirs and Travels, published in London in 1790.
It is a life full of journeys, war, politics, exploration, and ambitions. And perhaps that is why it still attracts attention today.
His Story Now Appears on a Coin
The National Bank of Slovakia issued a new silver collector's euro coin on September 10, 2026, with a nominal value of 20 EURO, commemorating the 250th anniversary of Móric Beňovský's proclamation as King of Madagascar.
The coin has a diameter of 34 mm, a weight of 18 g, and is made of an alloy of 900 Ag / 100 Cu. The mintage is 3,000 pieces in standard finish and 7,050 pieces in proof finish. The designs were created by Miroslav Ronai and Branislav Ronai.
A Coin That Tells His Story
Even the design of the coin itself is a small travel story.
On the obverse side, there is a period sailing ship on stormy waves – a symbol of journey and discovery. The Slovak national emblem, the name SLOVAKIA, and the year 2026 are also present.
The reverse side features a portrait of Móric Beňovský. Next to him is depicted Madagascar on a part of the globe, a zebu symbol, a compass, and an emblem with the Madagascan ravenala and a crescent moon with two stars. The description includes his name, the designation KING OF MADAGASCAR, and the year 1776.
It is therefore more than just a portrait of a historical figure. Both sides of the coin symbolically connect Slovakia, the sea, exploration, and Madagascar.
A Story That Survived Centuries
Móric Beňovský died in 1786, when he was only 39 years old. Despite his short life, he left behind a story that defies ordinary historical destinies.
From a Slovak perspective, it is especially fascinating how far his life took him.
From Vrbové to Madagascar.
From soldier to traveler.
And according to his own records, to the position of great king.
Today, this extraordinary chapter is also commemorated by the new Slovak silver collector's coin 20 EURO 2026 – Móric Beňovský.