2018-08-07 Tue

Hungary's ‘Crown of Saint Stephen’ Stamps ‘Crown of Saint Stephen’ Stamps is the second definitive series stamps of Hungary, the first being the portrait of Franz Josef I.

During 1867, the Austrian Empire transitioned into the Austro-Hungarian Empire. This new empire was the result of the Compromise of 1867, under which the autonomous Hungarian government was formed, dividing the territory of the former Austrian Empire. The new Kingdom of Hungary had its own parliament and governed itself internally, but the head-of-state was the Austrian Emperor. Thus, the first stamps of Hungary, shown above, have the portrait of Austrian Emperor Franz Josef I.

True Hungarian stamps came into effect not before 1874. The new issue was known as the ‘Crown of Saint Stephen’ stamps. The Crown of Saint Stephen or the Holy Crown of Hungary is the Byzantine Era coronation crown of Hungary. Between the 12th Century and the 20th Century, it has been used for the coronations of more than fifty Hungarian kings.

A set of five stamps were issued depicting this symbol of Hungarian Monarchy. The new design features the Crown of Saint Stephen and the reverse of a letter envelope containing the denomination. The numerals of the denomination are printed in the same colour as the stamp. The stamps were printed with the denominations 2Krone, 3Krone, 5Krone, 10Krone and 20 Krone.

The Crown of Saint Stephen became the chief feature of Hungarian stamps for many years.

Image Courtesy: https://www.stamp-collecting-world.com