Austria year 1916 Porto Overprint 1h Used / MNH stamps block

In 1916, during World War I, Austria issued several postage stamps, including “Porto” (postage due) stamps. These stamps were used to collect postage that was due on unpaid or underpaid mail. Here are some details about the Austrian postage due stamps from that period:

Design and Features

• Appearance: The 1916 Austrian postage due stamps typically featured a straightforward and utilitarian design. They were often characterized by a numeral indicating the amount due, along with inscriptions indicating their purpose.
• Colors and Denominations: These stamps came in various colors and denominations to match the different postage due rates. Common denominations included 2 heller, 5 heller, 10 heller, 20 heller, and higher.

Historical Context

• World War I Impact: The stamps from this era reflect the economic and logistical strains of World War I. Austria, part of the Austro-Hungarian Empire, was deeply involved in the conflict, which affected all aspects of life, including postal services.
• Changes in Postal Rates: Due to the war, there were frequent changes in postal rates and regulations, necessitating the use of postage due stamps to manage the shortfalls in postage payments.

Collectibility

• Condition: As with all stamps, the condition is paramount in determining value. Mint condition stamps are generally more valuable than used ones, though used postage due stamps can also be of interest to collectors, especially if they are on original covers (envelopes).
• Rarity: Some denominations and varieties of these stamps might be rarer than others, depending on print runs and historical survival rates.

Notable Issues

• 1916 Series: The series from 1916 included stamps with denominations such as 2h, 3h, 5h, 10h, 15h, 20h, 30h, 50h, and higher. These often featured intricate designs and were printed in various colors to distinguish between different values.

Identification

• Inscriptions: The stamps were typically inscribed with “K.K. PORTO” (indicating their use within the Austro-Hungarian Empire) and the denomination.
• Watermarks: Some issues might have watermarks or other security features to prevent counterfeiting.