Obverse. Photo © Monetnik.ru
  • 500 Forint 2005, KM# 781, Hungary, Hungarian Explorers and Their Inventions, 100th Anniversary of the First Hungarian Mail Carriage
  • 500 Forint 2005, KM# 781, Hungary, Hungarian Explorers and Their Inventions, 100th Anniversary of the First Hungarian Mail Carriage
Description

In 1896, Hungary saw its first automobile, marking the start of motorization in Budapest. By the turn of the century, motorized vehicles, including mail collectors and delivery cars, were in use, placing the Hungarian Post at the forefront of vehicle adoption in Europe.

In 1904, the Hungarian Post sought parcel delivery vehicles, spurring a tender won by János Csonka, an inventor with a background in mechanical engineering. Despite lacking his own factory, Csonka delivered the vehicle in May 1905, marking the official start of Hungarian car manufacturing. This four-wheeled vehicle, crafted for mass production, set a milestone in Hungary's automotive history.

Engraver: Balázs Bitó

Obverse

Depicts a postal vehicle. The engraver's privy mark is located in the bottom right corner. Along the edge of its backside, bordered by lines, an inscription (100th Anniversary of the First Hungarian Mail Carriage) and the years commemorating the anniversary (1905-2005) are placed around the sides.

The car featured a front-mounted four-cylinder engine, boasting 2545 cubic centimeters and 14 horsepower, enabling speeds of 25-35 kilometers per hour. Its closed cargo space measured 2.5 cubic meters, while only the rear axle had brakes. On May 31, 1905, János Csonka personally conducted the inaugural test drive to Buda Castle and back, covering a distance of 2000 kilometers flawlessly during subsequent testing.

Following the successful trials, the first eight vehicles entered postal service on January 15, 1906. Over the following years until 1912, an additional 91 units were manufactured, with chassis production handled by the Waggon and Machine Factory in Győr, and superstructures crafted by the István Röck Machine Factory. The parcel delivery cars remained in use in Budapest until 1931, with one unit later transferred to the Transport Museum and restored in 1997.

100 ÉVES AZ
ELSŐ MAGYAR
POSTAAUTÓ
· 1905 - 2005 ·
BB

Reverse

Depicts the postal vehicle's wheel. Within the wheel, the year of issue and the mint mark are clearly visible. Above the wheel, the face value is shown in two rows, while below it, in parallel rows, is the country name "Hungarian Republic."

500
FORINT
MAGYAR
KÖZTÁRSASÁG
2005 BP.

Edge

500 Forint

Third Republic

Hungarian Explorers and Their Inventions
100th Anniversary of the First Hungarian Mail Carriage

Subscribe series
KM# 781 Adamo# EM197
Characteristics
Type Commemorative Issue (Non-circulating)
Material Copper Nickel
Weight 14 g
Diameter -
Width 28 mm
Height 28 mm
Thickness 2.1 mm
Shape square
Alignment Medal
Mint
Budapest Mint (BP)

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