Lombardy-Venetia Stamps
Lombardy-Venetia was a kingdom in Southern Europe, specifically Northern Italy, under the administration of the Austrian Empire following the Congress of Vienna in 1815. Its postal history is characterized by issues reflecting Austrian imperial control, with stamps primarily denominated in Austrian currency and often featuring Italian and German text due to the bilingual nature of the administration.
- Issued stamps
- 1850–1864
- Region
- Europe, Southern Europe
- Currency
- ATS
- Languages
- Italian, German
- Issuer type
- Historical postal administration
- Part of
- Austrian Empire
About Lombardy-Venetia stamps
The region’s distinct postal entity ceased to exist following the Second Italian War of Independence in 1859 for Lombardy and the Austro-Prussian War in 1866 for Venetia, after which its postal services were absorbed into the unified Kingdom of Italy.
Further reading: Wikipedia
How to identify Lombardy-Venetia stamps
- Look for the portrait of Emperor Franz Josef I or the Austrian coat of arms.
- Denominations are typically in Kreuzer (Kr.) or Soldi.
- Stamps often feature bilingual inscriptions (Italian and German) or are part of the Austrian Empire's general issues but used within the Lombardy-Venetia region, identifiable by specific cancellations.
- Early issues (1850-1858) often have a distinctive 'Mercury Head' design for newspaper stamps.
Popular series
-
First Issue (Newspaper Stamps)
1850
The very first stamps issued for Lombardy-Venetia, featuring the Austrian coat of arms and denominated in Kreuzer.
-
Franz Josef I Issues
1850-1864
Stamps depicting Emperor Franz Josef I, common to the Austrian Empire but overprinted or specifically issued for Lombardy-Venetia, often with Italian and German inscriptions.
-
Newspaper Stamps (Mercury Head)
1851-1858
Distinctive stamps featuring a Mercury head design, used specifically for newspaper postage within the region.
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
- €5–€50
- Scarce stamps
- €500–€10,000+
Early issues, especially unused or with rare cancellations, can be quite valuable. The 1850 Newspaper stamps and certain high-denomination Franz Josef I issues are particularly sought after. Condition plays a significant role.
Catalogs. Lombardy-Venetia 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 Lombardy-Venetia stamps
Lombardy-Venetia stamps were issued for the Kingdom of Lombardy-Venetia, a territory in Northern Italy under Austrian Empire administration from 1815 to 1866. Their postal history reflects Austrian imperial control, with stamps often featuring Austrian designs and bilingual text (Italian and German) due to the region's unique political status.
Yes, many Lombardy-Venetia stamps can be quite valuable, especially early issues from the 1850s, rare cancellations, or high-denomination stamps in good condition. The 1850 Newspaper stamps and certain Franz Josef I issues are highly prized by collectors. Common used stamps might be in the €5-€50 range, while rare examples can fetch thousands of euros.
To identify Lombardy-Venetia stamps, look for the portrait of Emperor Franz Josef I or the Austrian coat of arms. Denominations are typically in Kreuzer or Soldi. Many stamps feature bilingual Italian and German text. Specific cancellations from cities like Milan, Venice, or Verona can also confirm their origin. For a first lead, photograph the stamp in the Stamp Identifier app, then confirm the catalog number; valuable stamps deserve an expert opinion.
Lombardy-Venetia stamps are comprehensively listed in major international stamp catalogs. You can find them in the Scott Standard Postage Stamp Catalogue (typically under 'Austrian Italy' or 'Lombardy-Venetia'), the Michel Europa-Katalog (under 'Lombardei-Venetien'), and the Stanley Gibbons Commonwealth & British Empire Stamps Catalogue (often within the 'Italian States' or 'Austria' sections).
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