Yugoslavia WWII / London 1943 – Famous People – Block

Yugoslavia WWII / London 1943 – Famous People – Block

In 1943, the Yugoslav government-in-exile based in London issued a set of postage stamps honoring famous people from Yugoslav history and culture. Here are the key details:

Set Information:

• Eight stamps comprised the “Famous People” set issued on September 1, 1943.
• Denominations ranged from 50 para to 50 dinara.
• Printed by Bradbury Wilkinson & Co in Britain using engraved designs.

Subjects Featured:

• Ban Jelačić, 19th century military leader (1 din)
• Petar Petrović Njegoš, Prince-Bishop poet (2 din)
• Vuk Karadžić, philologist/linguist (4 din)
• Josip Juraj Strossmayer, Bishop/politician (5 din)
• King Petar I Karađorđević (10 din)

Significance:

• This set celebrated major cultural figures important to Serbian/Yugoslav identity.
• It allowed the exiled government to assert Yugoslav nationalism during WWII.
• The engraved portraits demonstrated the technical printing capabilities of British firms.
• The set remains very popular among collectors of Yugoslav-area stamps.

While affordable in used condition, the 1943 Famous People set – especially well-centered unmounted mint examples – can demand a premium from Yugoslavia specialists and admirers of these celebrated Yugoslav luminaries.