Norway Stamps
Norway is a Nordic country situated in Northern Europe, primarily on the Scandinavian Peninsula. Its postal history is characterized by independence following the dissolution of the union with Sweden in 1905, though it maintained close ties with Scandinavian postal administrations prior to that.
- Issued stamps
- 1855–present
- Region
- Europe, Northern Europe
- Currency
- NOK
- Languages
- Norwegian (Bokmål), Norwegian (Nynorsk)
- Issuer type
- Modern postal administration
About Norway stamps
Norwegian stamps predominantly feature the Norwegian language (Bokmål and Nynorsk) and have been integral members of the Universal Postal Union since 1875. The country's philatelic record reflects its long history as a sovereign nation, including issues from the period of union with Sweden and its subsequent full autonomy.
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.
- NORGE
- NOREG
- NORSK POST
How to identify Norway stamps
- Look for the country name 'NORGE' or 'NORSK POST' (historically).
- Many early stamps feature the Norwegian Coat of Arms or the iconic Posthorn design.
- Check for watermarks on older issues, though not all Norwegian stamps have them.
- Examine the perforation and printing methods, which can help distinguish between similar issues.
Popular series
-
First Issue - Coat of Arms
1855
Norway's first stamp issue, featuring the national coat of arms, printed in a distinctive blue color.
-
Posthorn Series
1871-present
An iconic and long-running definitive series featuring a posthorn design, with numerous variations over the decades.
-
King Oscar II and King Haakon VII Definitives
Late 19th - Early 20th Century
Definitive issues featuring portraits of the reigning monarchs during periods of significant political change for Norway.
-
Christmas Stamps (Julefrimerker)
1970s-present
Annual issues celebrating Christmas, often featuring traditional Norwegian motifs and artwork, popular with collectors.
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–€10,000+
Early issues, especially the first issue and early Posthorn varieties, can be quite valuable, particularly in fine condition or with rare cancellations. Later definitive and commemorative issues are generally affordable, with value increasing for complete sets, errors, or scarce varieties. Mint never-hinged condition significantly impacts value.
Catalogs. Norway 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 Norway stamps
Norway stamps are postage stamps issued by the postal administration of Norway, a Nordic country in Northern Europe. They reflect Norway's rich history, from its union with Sweden to its full independence, and feature a wide range of designs including monarchs, national symbols, landscapes, and cultural events.
The value of Norway stamps varies greatly. Early issues, such as the first Coat of Arms stamp from 1855 and early Posthorn series varieties, can be quite valuable, especially in pristine condition or with rare cancellations. Later definitive and most commemorative stamps are generally affordable, though complete sets, errors, and specific scarce varieties can fetch higher prices. Condition, rarity, and demand are key factors in determining value.
You can identify Norway stamps by looking for the country name 'NORGE' or 'NORSK POST' printed on them. Many feature distinct designs like the Norwegian Coat of Arms or the long-running Posthorn series. For precise identification, including details like issue date, denomination, and specific varieties, you can use a stamp catalog or a stamp identification app that allows you to photograph the stamp for analysis.
Norway stamps are comprehensively listed in all major international stamp catalogs. These include the Scott Standard Postage Stamp Catalogue (worldwide), the Michel Deutschland-Spezial-Katalog (Europe), and the Stanley Gibbons Commonwealth & British Empire Stamps Catalogue (though Norway is not Commonwealth, Gibbons covers it in their European volumes). There are also specialized Norwegian catalogs for more in-depth information.
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