Croatia Stamps
Identification, history, popular series & stamp values
About Croatia Stamps
Croatia is a nation situated in Southeastern Europe, primarily within the Balkan Peninsula, with a significant Adriatic coastline. Its postal history is marked by periods under Austro-Hungarian, Yugoslavian, and independent rule, leading to distinct issues reflecting these transitions. Stamps primarily feature the Croatian language, often alongside historical symbols or references to its unique cultural heritage. The country's modern postal system emerged following its declaration of independence in the early 1990s, succeeding the issues of the Socialist Federal Republic of Yugoslavia.
Issuer Overview
- Region:
- Europe
- Subregion:
- Southeastern Europe
- Issuing period:
- 1941 – present
- Languages:
- Croatian
- Currency:
- HRK
- issuer:croatia.overview.parentIssuer:
- issuer:croatia.overview.parentIssuerValue
Stamp Catalogs
Croatia stamps are listed in the following catalogs:
Popular Croatia Stamp Series
Croatian Post (Hrvatska Pošta) Regular Issues (1991-Present)
Diverse themes including national heritage, nature, art, and notable Croatians, reflecting the independent nation's identity.
Independent State of Croatia (NDH) Issues (1941-1945)
Stamps issued during World War II, often overprinted or featuring symbols of the Ustaše regime. Philatelically significant due to their historical context.
Christmas and New Year Issues (1991-Present)
Annual festive stamps, popular with collectors for their artistic designs and seasonal themes.
Croatia Stamp Value Overview
Value Notes: Early issues of the Independent State of Croatia, especially those with errors or rare cancellations, can be quite valuable. Modern commemorative issues are generally affordable, while some early definitive sets or specific varieties can command higher prices.
How to Identify Croatia Stamps
Key features to look for when identifying Croatia stamps:
- 1 Look for 'HRVATSKA' or 'REPUBLIKA HRVATSKA' as the primary country name.
- 2 Stamps from the Independent State of Croatia (1941-1945) often bear 'NEZAVISNA DRŽAVA HRVATSKA' or 'NDH'.
- 3 Many stamps feature the Croatian checkerboard (šahovnica) coat of arms.
Related Issuers & Topics
Explore stamps from related regions and historical entities:
Frequently Asked Questions
What are Croatia stamps?
Croatia stamps are postage stamps issued by various postal authorities in the territory of Croatia, primarily since its declaration of independence in 1991. This also includes stamps from the Independent State of Croatia (1941-1945) and earlier issues used within the region under Austro-Hungarian and Yugoslavian rule.
Are Croatia stamps valuable?
The value of Croatia stamps varies significantly. Many modern commemorative stamps are readily available and inexpensive. However, certain early issues, particularly from the Independent State of Croatia period, including specific overprints, errors, or rare cancellations, can be quite valuable, fetching hundreds or even thousands of Euros. Condition plays a crucial role in determining value.
How can I identify Croatia stamps?
You can identify Croatia stamps by looking for the country name 'HRVATSKA' or 'REPUBLIKA HRVATSKA' on modern issues. Stamps from the World War II era will often say 'NEZAVISNA DRŽAVA HRVATSKA' or 'NDH'. The Croatian checkerboard coat of arms is also a common motif. For precise identification and catalog numbers, using a stamp identifier app that can scan and recognize stamps is highly recommended.
Which catalogs list Croatia stamps?
Croatia stamps are extensively listed in major international stamp catalogs. You can find them in the Scott Standard Postage Stamp Catalogue, the Michel Europa-Katalog (especially for Central and Eastern Europe), and the Stanley Gibbons Commonwealth & British Empire Stamps Catalogue (though less comprehensive for modern independent issues, it covers earlier periods). Specialized Croatian catalogs also exist for more detailed listings.
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