Austria Stamps
Identification, history, popular series & stamp values
About Austria Stamps
Austria, a landlocked nation in Central Europe, possesses a rich postal history stemming from its role as the core of the vast Austro-Hungarian Empire. Its stamps, which transitioned from imperial issues to those of the First and Second Republics, predominantly feature the German language. The country was a founding member of the Universal Postal Union (UPU) and its postal administration has navigated significant political shifts, including the Anschluss with Germany and subsequent post-war occupation periods. Modern Austrian philately reflects its status as a stable, modern European state within the Eurozone.
Issuer Overview
- Region:
- Europe
- Subregion:
- Central Europe
- Issuing period:
- 1850 – present
- Languages:
- German
- Currency:
- EUR
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Stamp Catalogs
Austria stamps are listed in the following catalogs:
Popular Austria Stamp Series
First Issue (Coat of Arms) (1850-1858)
Austria's first stamps, featuring the imperial coat of arms, printed in typography. Highly sought after by classic stamp collectors.
Emperor Franz Joseph I (Picture Postcards) (1899-1907)
A popular series depicting Emperor Franz Joseph I, often referred to as 'picture postcards' due to their detailed engravings and artistic quality.
First Republic Issues (1918-1938)
Stamps issued after the collapse of the Austro-Hungarian Empire, reflecting the new republican era with designs often featuring allegorical figures, landscapes, and national symbols.
Austria Stamp Value Overview
Value Notes: Early issues, especially from the Austro-Hungarian Empire, can be quite valuable, particularly those with rare cancellations or errors. Later 20th-century common issues are generally inexpensive. High-value items include early imperforate stamps, specific printings, and postal history pieces.
How to Identify Austria Stamps
Key features to look for when identifying Austria stamps:
- 1 Look for 'Österreich' or 'K. K. Post' (Kaiserlich Königlich Post) on older issues, and 'Republik Österreich' on modern ones.
- 2 Early issues often feature the double-headed eagle or Emperor Franz Joseph I.
- 3 Pay attention to watermarks and perforations, which are crucial for distinguishing between similar-looking issues.
Related Issuers & Topics
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Frequently Asked Questions
What are Austria stamps?
Austria stamps are postage stamps issued by the postal authorities of Austria, dating back to 1850. They reflect the country's rich history, from the Austro-Hungarian Empire to the modern Republic, and are predominantly in the German language.
Are Austria stamps valuable?
The value of Austria stamps varies significantly. Early classic issues from the 19th century, especially those in fine condition, with rare cancellations, or errors, can be very valuable, potentially reaching tens of thousands of Euros. More common 20th-century stamps are generally inexpensive, ranging from a few cents to a few Euros.
How can I identify Austria stamps?
To identify Austria stamps, look for the country name 'Österreich' or 'K. K. Post' on older stamps, and 'Republik Österreich' on modern ones. Designs often feature imperial symbols, portraits of monarchs, or later, national landmarks and cultural themes. For precise identification and valuation, use a stamp identifier app or consult specialized philatelic catalogs like Michel or Scott.
Which catalogs list Austria stamps?
Austria stamps are extensively covered in all major international stamp catalogs. The Michel catalog (Germany) is particularly comprehensive for European issues, including Austria. Scott (USA) and Stanley Gibbons (UK) also provide detailed listings and valuations for Austrian philately.
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