Postage stamps 1917/19 14.12.2023

In addition to the postage stamps from the 1916/18 issue, four higher crown values with large-format coat of arms designs were issued. 

On these postage stamps of 2, 3, 4, and 10 crowns, the national coat of arms, crowned and framed by leaves and vines, divides the word “crowns” in the middle. They were designed by Rudolf Junk, with the engraving by Ferdinand Schirnböck. There are various versions of these stamps, all valid for postage until 31st October 1920.

On 28th September 1916, they were issued in dark colours, and from July 1917, in lighter colours. From the end of 1917 to 1919, as seen on the miniature sheet, they were printed on fibrous paper. Additionally, due to the shrinking of the moist paper during printing, the stamps came in vertical and horizontal formats, depending on whether the paper sheet was cut lengthwise or crosswise and placed into the printing machine.