Stamp Investment Tip: Hungary 1947 Stamp Day Souvenir Sheet (Scott #B202)

In 1947, Hungary issued a semi-postal souvenir sheet commemorating Stamp Day (Scott #B202, sheet of four). 40,000 souvenir sheets were issued, and Scott '13 prices the unused sheet at $55.00 . As with many Hungarian semi-postals, an imperforate version of the souvenir sheet was also issued, and it is probably 50 to 100 times scarcer than the normal sheet. Scott prices the imperforate souvenir sheet at $4,000 .

The sheets have multiple market appeal among collectors of Hungary and Transportation Topicals, due to the 16th century mail coach pictured on the sheet's stamps.

While recent economic reversals in Europe have hurt the stamp market there, I feel that for most of the countries, the situation is unpleasant but short-term. In the meantime, there are opportunities to pick up bargains, and scarce items with topical appeal are worth considering.

After a difficult transition from a centrally-controlled economy to capitalism, Hungary has experienced moderate economic growth until it was impacted by the 2008-09 financial crisis. As a result of the global financial mess, GDP growth has been almost flat over the past five years. As the newest member of the European Union, this nation of 10 million receives nearly a third of all direct investment flowing into Eastern Europe. Agriculture, metallurgy and mining, and tourism are major components of the economy.

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