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.
- Issued stamps
- 1850–present
- Region
- Europe, Central Europe
- Currency
- EUR
- Languages
- German
- Issuer type
- Modern postal administration
About Austria stamps
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.
Further reading: Wikipedia
Inscriptions to look for
Words printed on the stamp that point to this issuer. Search any of them in the issuer directory.
- ÖSTERREICH
- OSTERREICH
- REPUBLIK ÖSTERREICH
How to identify Austria stamps
- Look for 'Österreich' or 'K. K. Post' (Kaiserlich Königlich Post) on older issues, and 'Republik Österreich' on modern ones.
- Early issues often feature the double-headed eagle or Emperor Franz Joseph I.
- Pay attention to watermarks and perforations, which are crucial for distinguishing between similar-looking issues.
- The currency changed multiple times (Kreuzer, Heller, Groschen, Schilling, Euro), which helps date stamps.
Popular 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.
-
Second Republic Issues (Post-WWII)
1945-present
A diverse range of stamps issued after World War II, covering reconstruction, cultural events, and modern Austrian life, often with high artistic merit.
Value overview
Typical ranges as orientation, not prices for a particular stamp. Condition, variety and demand decide the value of your copy; for current asking prices, check listings or the app.
- Common stamps
- €0.10–€5
- Scarce stamps
- €100–€50,000+
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.
Catalogs. Austria stamps are listed in the major world catalogs: Scott, Michel and Stanley Gibbons. Catalog numbers and groupings differ between them; the Stamp Identifier app shows the numbers it can find for your stamp.
Questions about 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.
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.
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 a first lead, photograph the stamp in the Stamp Identifier app, then confirm the catalog number; valuable stamps deserve an expert opinion.
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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