Yugoslavia Stamps
Identification, history, popular series & stamp values
About Yugoslavia Stamps
Yugoslavia, spanning Southeastern Europe across the Balkan Peninsula, existed in various forms throughout the 20th century, notably as the Kingdom of Serbs, Croats, and Slovenes before becoming the Socialist Federal Republic of Yugoslavia. Its postal history reflects periods of monarchy, royalist government, wartime fragmentation, and subsequent socialist federation, leading to complex administrative transitions and numerous currency changes. Stamps predominantly feature Cyrillic and Latin scripts, reflecting the diverse South Slavic languages of the constituent republics. The dissolution of the federation in the early 1990s resulted in the cessation of unified Yugoslav postal issues and the emergence of successor states.
Issuer Overview
- Region:
- Europe
- Subregion:
- Southeastern Europe
- Issuing period:
- 1918 – 2006
- Languages:
- Serbo-Croatian, Slovene, Macedonian
- Currency:
- YUN
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Stamp Catalogs
Yugoslavia stamps are listed in the following catalogs:
Popular Yugoslavia Stamp Series
First Issues (Kingdom of SCS) (1918-1920s)
Early issues of the Kingdom of Serbs, Croats and Slovenes, often overprinted or featuring allegorical designs and portraits of King Peter I.
King Alexander I Issues (1930s)
Stamps featuring portraits of King Alexander I, reflecting the period of the Kingdom of Yugoslavia.
Post-WWII Issues (SFRY) (1945-1950s)
Initial issues of the Socialist Federal Republic of Yugoslavia, often depicting national heroes, industrialization, and socialist themes.
Yugoslavia Stamp Value Overview
Value Notes: Common Yugoslav stamps are generally inexpensive. Rarities exist, particularly early issues, errors, and stamps from specific provisional periods or with rare cancellations. High-value items are often found in mint condition or with significant historical context.
How to Identify Yugoslavia Stamps
Key features to look for when identifying Yugoslavia stamps:
- 1 Look for 'Jugoslavija' or 'Kraljevina Srba, Hrvata i Slovenaca' (Kingdom of Serbs, Croats and Slovenes) in Latin or Cyrillic script.
- 2 Identify portraits of monarchs (Peter I, Alexander I) or Marshal Tito.
- 3 Note the presence of multiple languages (Serbo-Croatian, Slovene, Macedonian) on some later issues.
Related Issuers & Topics
Explore stamps from related regions and historical entities:
Frequently Asked Questions
What are Yugoslavia stamps?
Yugoslavia stamps are postage stamps issued by the various political entities that constituted Yugoslavia throughout the 20th century. This includes the Kingdom of Serbs, Croats and Slovenes, the Kingdom of Yugoslavia, and the Socialist Federal Republic of Yugoslavia, reflecting a rich and complex postal history.
Are Yugoslavia stamps valuable?
Most common Yugoslavia stamps are not highly valuable, often ranging from €0.10 to €5. However, certain early issues, provisional stamps, errors, and stamps with specific historical significance or rare cancellations can be quite valuable, reaching hundreds of euros. Condition plays a significant role in their worth.
How can I identify Yugoslavia stamps?
You can identify Yugoslavia stamps by looking for inscriptions like 'Jugoslavija' or 'Kraljevina Srba, Hrvata i Slovenaca' in Latin or Cyrillic. Key figures like King Alexander I or Marshal Tito are often depicted. For precise identification and catalog numbers, consider using a stamp identifier app which can scan your stamp and provide detailed information.
Which catalogs list Yugoslavia stamps?
Yugoslavia stamps are extensively listed in major international stamp catalogs. You can find them in the Scott Standard Postage Stamp Catalogue, the Michel Europa-Katalog (Südosteuropa), and the Stanley Gibbons Commonwealth & British Empire Stamps catalogue (though Yugoslavia was not part of the Commonwealth, it's covered in broader European sections or specialized volumes).
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