Magyar Posta Stamp Collection (1971)

Check out what I grabbed from the city stamp exhibition a few weeks ago ;)

This vintage stamp collection from Hungary (Magyar Posta) was dropped in 1971 to mark the 200th anniversary of the University of Budapest Botanical Garden (also known as the Füvészkert). First, a quick note on the prices printed on them (40f, 60f, etc.):

• f (fillér): This was Hungary’s fractional currency, like cents. 100 fillér equals 1 Forint.

• Ft (forint): The official national currency of Hungary.
  
  

The Top Row (Left to Right)

• 1.      40f: Waldsteinia geoides

You’ll notice this is the only stamp with a person on it. That’s József Jakab Winterl, the botanist who actually founded the botanical garden back in 1771. Since the set celebrates the garden's 200th birthday, he gets the spot on the first stamp as a tribute. He also happened to discover and name this exact yellow flower.

• 2.      60f: Bromeliaceae

Back in the 19th and 20th centuries, keeping exotic greenhouse plants like Bromeliads was a massive trend among the Budapest elite. It was a major status symbol of wealth and sophistication.

• 3.      80f : Titanopsis calcarea

This is a rare desert succulent famous for its camouflage skills, as it naturally looks like chunks of limestone to blend into its surroundings. Cultivating it was a point of pride for the university's gardeners.

• 4.      1 Ft: Vinca herbacea (Periwinkle)

In old Hungarian folklore, periwinkle vines were woven into bridal crowns or hung near doorways. The locals believed it could ward off bad luck and negative energy.

It Symbolizes everlasting loyalty, domestic harmony, and good memories.

The Bottom Row (Left to Right)

• 5.      1.20 Ft : Gymnocalycium mihanovichii f. rubra

This bright red cactus lacks chlorophyll, meaning it can't survive on its own and has to be grafted onto another cactus to live. Featuring it on a stamp was a way to showcase the high level horticultural expertise of Hungarian scientists.

• 6.      2 Ft : Nymphaea gigantea

Water lilies are deeply tied to Hungary's famous thermal bath and spa culture. A prime example is Lake Hévíz, a massive natural thermal lake in Hungary where these lilies bloom all year round.

• 7.      3 Ft :Iris arenaria

This sand iris is native to the dry, rocky steps of Central Europe. Because of its distinct threeup, three down petal structure, historical local traditions often connected it to spirituality and the Holy Trinity.

• 8.      5 Ft : Paeonia banatica (Banat Peony)

This is one of Hungary's most valued botanical assets. It's a rare, highly protected peony that grows wild on Mount Zengő. Today, it stands as a major symbol of Hungarian national pride and nature conservation.

that’s all! Once again this is just me trying to learn what I bought and feel free to correct me. Luv ya. The names of each flowers are on the stamps but it disappeared when I scan them (me doing anything but studying lol)