Stephen III ruled Hungary and Croatia from 1162. He was the oldest child of King Géza of Hungary and Queen Euphrosyne of Kiev. Louis VII king of France became his godfather.

Stephen was born in Székesfehérvár in 1147. He was named the official heir to the throne in 1152, but was not crowned until 1162, when his father died. He designated the prosperity of the country as his main goal. He also tried to support the church, like his father, he renounced the right of investiture. He was the first Hungarian king to grant privileges to urban citizens.

He died in March, 1172. His younger brother on the throne, Béla III followed him, as his son did not reach adulthood.

III. Hungarian coinage continued during István's reign. These coins were based on the coins of the former Árpád kings. They were usually made of silver and contained a cross, crown or other symbols.