Benyovszky Memorial Year

Magyar Posta is marking the Benyovszky Memorial Year by issuing a promotional personalised stamp to commemorate the achievements of Count Maurice Benyovszky. Seventy thousand copies of the philatelic novelty made by printing on the label part of the Very Own Stamp personalised stamp were produced by the banknote printing company Pénzjegynyomda. It can be purchased at Filaposta and designated post offices or ordered from Magyar Posta’s online store from 21 May 2021.

Count Maurice Benyovszky, a notable Hungarian adventurer, sailor and explorer, was born on 20 September 1741. As a military officer who travelled to the four corners of the earth, he is best known for his activities in Madagascar, which made a significant contribution to the discovery of the interior of the island. The novelized account of his life was translated into numerous languages and was made known to the Hungarian public through the works of the writer Mór Jókai.

He lost his life in a clash with French troops in 1786. The logo of the Benyovszky National Memorial Committee and an early telescope feature on the label of the stamp. A detail of an original map appears in the background of the commemorative first day cover, while a section of a ship’s wheel is shown in the foreground. The ship’s wheel, the telescope and the contour of the map of Madagascar are also used for the postmark.