Bosnia and Herzegovina Stamps
Bosnia and Herzegovina is a nation situated in Southeastern Europe on the Balkan Peninsula, historically positioned at the crossroads of major empires. Its postal history is complex, reflecting periods under Ottoman rule followed by Austro-Hungarian administration, and later incorporation into Yugoslavia, leading to distinct issuing authorities and design influences.
- Issued stamps
- 1879–present
- Region
- Europe, Southeastern Europe
- Currency
- BAM
- Languages
- Bosnian, Croatian, Serbian
- Issuer type
- Modern postal administration
History and background
Stamps from this region frequently feature the Bosnian, Croatian, and Serbian languages, reflecting its diverse linguistic landscape. The country's modern postal system emerged following the dissolution of Yugoslavia, marked by significant administrative transitions that shaped its contemporary philatelic output.
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.
- BOSNIEN HERZEGOWINA
- BOSNA I HERCEGOVINA
How to identify them
- Look for inscriptions in Bosnian, Croatian, and Serbian, often in Cyrillic and Latin scripts.
- Early issues (pre-1918) often bear 'BOSNIEN HERZEGOWINA' or 'BOSNA I HERCEGOVINA' and Austro-Hungarian imperial symbols.
- Post-1992 issues will typically have 'BOSNA I HERCEGOVINA' and may include specific postal entity names like 'BH Pošta', 'Hrvatska pošta Mostar', or 'Pošte Srpske'.
Popular series
-
Austro-Hungarian Occupation Issues
1879-1918
Early issues under Austro-Hungarian administration, often featuring imperial motifs and local overprints.
-
Yugoslavian Era Issues
1945-1992
Stamps issued as part of Yugoslavia, reflecting socialist themes and national symbols.
-
Post-Independence Issues
1993-Present
Modern stamps issued by the independent Bosnia and Herzegovina, often depicting national heritage, nature, and culture.
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
- €50–€500+
Early Austro-Hungarian issues, especially those with rare overprints or errors, can be quite valuable. Post-independence issues are generally more affordable, with some exceptions for specific commemorative sets or varieties.
Catalogs. Bosnia and Herzegovina 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 Bosnia and Herzegovina stamps
Bosnia and Herzegovina stamps are postage stamps issued by various postal authorities in the region of Bosnia and Herzegovina, reflecting its complex history under Ottoman, Austro-Hungarian, Yugoslavian, and independent rule. They often feature diverse linguistic inscriptions and cultural motifs.
The value of Bosnia and Herzegovina stamps varies significantly. Early Austro-Hungarian occupation issues, especially those with specific overprints, errors, or in fine condition, can be quite valuable, ranging from tens to hundreds of Euros. More modern issues are generally less valuable, typically in the €0.10 to €5 range, though certain commemorative sets or varieties can fetch higher prices.
To identify Bosnia and Herzegovina stamps, look for inscriptions such as 'BOSNIEN HERZEGOWINA', 'BOSNA I HERCEGOVINA', or specific postal entity names like 'BH Pošta'. Pay attention to the script (Latin or Cyrillic) and the historical context of the designs. For a first lead, photograph the stamp in the Stamp Identifier app, then confirm the catalog number; valuable stamps deserve an expert opinion.
Bosnia and Herzegovina stamps are comprehensively listed in major international stamp catalogs. You can find them in the Scott Standard Postage Stamp Catalogue, Michel Katalog, and Stanley Gibbons Commonwealth & British Empire Stamps catalogue, among others. These catalogs provide detailed information, including issue dates, designs, and estimated values.
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