Croatia’s postage stamp history begins in 1918 but the modern republic has only issued its own stamps since 1992. Collectors interested in Croatia stamps these days have quite a menu to choose from, as different eras of Croatian history offer their own unique postal collectibles. In addition to actual Croatia stamps and related Yugoslavian items, covers (letters and cards) with Croatia-related cancel stamps and/or addresses can be highly valued.
Early Croatia Stamps: 1918
The first postage stamps used in Croatia were stamps of the Austro-Hungarian Empire that circulated in what was then known as the Kingdom of Croatia-Slavonia. Towards the end of World War I (in 1918), surcharged Hungarian stamps with overprints reading HRVATSKA and S H S were issued. These overprinted stamps can be considered the first actual Croatian postage stamps.
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About the S H S Overprint
S H S stood for Država Slovencev, Hrvatov in Srbov. This was the Slovene name of the new entity, which in English was called “State of Slovenes, Croats, and Serbs”.
There were several varieties of stamps, denominations, and overprints around this time. New stamps actually inscribed HRVATSKA (the local name of Croatia to this day) were issued soon afterwards and are of course of special interest to Croatia-specific collectors.
In 1919 Hrvatska joined with several other entities to form Yugoslavia, which was at first known as the “Kingdom of Serbs, Croats and Slovenes”.
Croatia Stamps in World War II
From 1941 until 1945, Croatia was independent from the Kingdom of Yugoslavia and issued new stamps. Thus begins an era of especially interesting stamps for Croatia collectors.
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At first, old Yugoslavia stamps with overprints were used in Croatia. The overprints read NEZAVISNA DRŽAVA HRVATSKA, meaning “Independent State of Croatia”. Some of these overprinted stamps also feature artful designs for the surcharges as well.
Soon, new stamps with that phrase as a full inscription (not a mere overprint) were issued. Some stamps featured the phrase shortened to ND HRVATSKA. Croatia stamp collectors who want one example of each inscription will likely be drawn to both of these.
Croatia Stamp Buyer’s Tip
Watch for the abbreviation NDH in sales listings (meaning “ND Hrvatska”).
In 1945 Croatia became part of Yugoslavia once again, which was now called the Socialist Federal Republic of Yugoslavia. Croatia-only stamps were not issued in these years, though collectible covers sent within or from Croatia appeal to many collectors.
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Modern Croatia Stamps: 1991-now
In 1992, Yugoslavia broke up. Created (or resurrected) were the independent states of Slovenia, Croatia, Serbia, Montenegro, North Macedonia, Bosnia and Herzegovina, and Kosovo. Since 1991, the Republic of Croatia has again issued its very own stamps, inscribed REPUBLIKA HRVATSKA. Collectors’ souvenir sheets and other special stamp items from modern Croatia are easily found for sale.
With such a rich postal history to immerse yourself in, Croatia stamps have it all for philatelists. The surprising range of Croatia stamps and collectibles for sale make hunting for new items for your hoard great fun. Enjoy!
