Hungary was controlled by Austria for about 200 years, until 1867, when it became an equal partner in the Austro-Hungarian empire. The first stamp of Hungary was issued in 1871. The early stamps of Hungary and Austria both featured the image of Emperor Franz Josef I. Hungary was settled by a tribe called the Magyars in the late 800s A.D. This where the inscription on its stamps – “Magyar Posta” – comes from. Many early Hungary stamps picture the crown of St. Stephen. King Stephen I converted the Magyars to Christianity. Hungary stamps have several interesting watermarks, including double crosses, shields, and stars, as well as St. Stephen’s crown.