Postage Stamps and Postal History of Liechtenstein

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Black Magnifying Glass on White Printer Paper with Stamps
Credit: pexels.com, Black Magnifying Glass on White Printer Paper with Stamps

Liechtenstein has a rich postal history that spans over two centuries. The country's first postage stamp was issued in 1862.

The first stamp, a 10-heller issue, featured a portrait of Prince Johann II. It was a significant milestone in the country's postal history.

Liechtenstein's postal system has undergone several changes over the years, but the country's commitment to issuing unique and collectible stamps has remained constant.

Today, Liechtenstein's stamps are highly prized by collectors around the world.

Rare Stamps

Rare stamps from Liechtenstein are highly collectible, and some of the most notable ones include the 1925 Prince Johann II stamp, which was issued to mark the 85th birthday of Prince Johann II. This stamp is a great example of the country's attention to detail and design.

The 1928 "Railroad Bridge Demolished by Flood" stamp is another notable example, produced to raise money in support of victims of that year's flooding of the Rhine. This stamp showcases the country's ability to create attractive and meaningful designs.

Liechtenstein's first airmail issue, the 1930 "Airplane over Rhine Valley" stamp, is also a great example of the country's stamp designers' skills.

Rare Liechtenstein Stamps

Picturesque Liechtenstein village with snowcapped mountains and lush hills.
Credit: pexels.com, Picturesque Liechtenstein village with snowcapped mountains and lush hills.

Liechtenstein's postal system has issued many notable stamps in its more than a century of operation. Some of the most collectible stamps include those from the classic era between 1921 and 1960.

The 1925 Prince Johann II stamp is a notable example, marking the 85th birthday of Prince Johann II. It was the first commemorative stamp issued by the young Liechtenstein postal system.

Another early commemorative stamp was produced in 1928 to raise money in support of victims of the Rhine flooding, featuring an image of a railroad bridge demolished by flood.

Liechtenstein's first airmail issue, the 1930 "Airplane over Rhine Valley" stamp, showcases the country's attention to detail and design paid by the stamp designers.

The classic era of Liechtenstein philately is considered to be between 1921 and 1960, a period during which many notable stamps were issued.

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If you're a collector with an interest in Central Europe, you'll want to check out Apfelbaum's inventory of rare Liechtenstein stamps for sale.

Apfelbaum offers several convenient ways to shop, including buy-it-now sales.

General Information

Credit: youtube.com, Postage stamps and postal history of Liechtenstein

Liechtenstein's postal history is a unique blend of German and Swiss influences. The country's strategic location between these two nations has led to a fascinating exchange of postal practices.

The first postage stamps of Liechtenstein were issued in 1912, featuring a design that reflected the country's relationship with Switzerland. These early stamps were an essential part of the country's postal system.

Despite its small size, Liechtenstein has a rich and varied postal history, with many interesting stories to uncover.

Permanent Exhibition

The permanent exhibition at the Liechtenstein PostalMuseum is a must-see for anyone interested in philately. It showcases a unique collection of stamps and postal history of the Principality of Liechtenstein.

You can discover small works of art and precious collectors' items, including original and digital stamps issued by Liechtenstein since 1912. Liechtenstein has been issuing its own stamps for over 100 years.

The exhibition provides a representative cross-section of the entire philately of the Principality of Liechtenstein, with original sketches by designers, printing plates, and stamp sheets on display. This gives you a glimpse into the creation process of the stamps.

Low angle view of Liechtenstein Castle at dusk, showcasing its historical architecture against a warm sky.
Credit: pexels.com, Low angle view of Liechtenstein Castle at dusk, showcasing its historical architecture against a warm sky.

Extraordinary production and processing methods are used in Liechtenstein's stamp-making process, such as laser-cutting to give motifs a silhouette-like appearance. In 2019, an embroidered stamp was issued for the first time to mark Liechtenstein's 300th anniversary.

You can also see the design for the country's very first stamp, created by Koloman Moser, one of the co-founders of the Vienna Secession and the Vienna Workshop.

Liechtenstein

Liechtenstein began issuing stamps in 1912, initially printed in neighboring Austria. These stamps are highly prized by collectors for their striking designs.

The country's postal system became fully independent after the dissolution of the Austro-Hungarian Empire, while still retaining formal ties to Switzerland.

Liechtenstein produces both definitive and commemorative stamps, with many featuring the country's history and Royal family.

The market for rare Liechtenstein stamps is strong, and the country is easily complete-able, particularly if you focus on the postwar period.

Switzerland, Germany, and Austria are popular areas of philatelic specialization, which might explain why Liechtenstein stamps are highly sought after.

Liechtenstein's Copyright Act is based on the Swiss text, and the majority of Swiss copyright law commentaries does not consider stamps "means of payment".

Subcategories

Grayscale Photo of a Post Box
Credit: pexels.com, Grayscale Photo of a Post Box

The subcategories of stamps from Liechtenstein are quite extensive. There are 9 subcategories in total.

You can browse through stamps of Liechtenstein by designer, which has 31 categories, or by subject, which has 14 categories.

Stamps of Liechtenstein by year is another interesting subcategory, with 52 categories and 1 page of information.

Definitive stamps of Liechtenstein are also worth exploring, with 8 categories and 1 featured file.

Official stamps of Liechtenstein have 1 featured file, and overprints on stamps of Liechtenstein have 2 featured files.

Here's a summary of the subcategories:

  • Stamps of Liechtenstein by designer (31 C)
  • Stamps of Liechtenstein by subject (14 C)
  • Stamps of Liechtenstein by year (52 C, 1 P)
  • Definitive stamps of Liechtenstein (8 C, 1 F)
  • Official stamps of Liechtenstein (1 F)
  • Overprints on stamps of Liechtenstein (2 F)

Media in Liechtenstein

Liechtenstein has a fascinating postal history, and you can see some of its stamps online.

One example is the FL 144-146+150+166-170+182-185 Zotow stamp, which is a large image with a file size of 2.09 MB.

The Postage stamps by country section of the article mentions that Liechtenstein has its own postal system, the Post of Liechtenstein.

You can also find stamps that feature Chinese papercutting art, like the Liechtenstein Stamps of Chinese Papercutting image, which has a file size of 1.03 MB.

The Art of Liechtenstein section of the article highlights the unique cultural heritage of the country, including its art and symbols.

Some notable symbols of Liechtenstein include the prince's motifs, which can be seen on special stamps like the Sondermarken mit den Motiven von Prinz Hans image.

Postal Stamp Museum in Vaduz

Composition of opened diary carton parcel and postage stamps
Credit: pexels.com, Composition of opened diary carton parcel and postage stamps

The Postal Stamp Museum in Vaduz is a must-visit for anyone interested in Liechtenstein's postal history. It's located in the capital city, right in the heart of the country.

The museum showcases a vast collection of postal stamps and related items, offering a unique glimpse into Liechtenstein's postal past. The museum's collection includes stamps from the 19th century to the present day.

One of the highlights of the museum is its exhibit on the history of postal stamps in Liechtenstein, which features rare and valuable stamps from the country's early days of postal service. The stamps on display are a testament to the country's rich postal history.

The museum also features a section on the design and production of Liechtenstein's postal stamps, which is a fascinating look at the process behind creating these small but significant pieces of art.

Elmer Kassulke

Lead Assigning Editor

Here is a 100-word author bio for Elmer Kassulke: Elmer Kassulke is an accomplished Assigning Editor with a keen interest in storytelling. With a keen eye for detail and a passion for research, Elmer has covered a wide range of topics, from the Port of Bristol to the works of Isambard Kingdom Brunel. Their expertise spans various categories, including geography, history, culture, and transportation, making them a versatile and reliable voice in the world of journalism.

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