Bosnia (Austrian) stamps year 1895 pair 20kr

Bosnia (Austrian) stamps year 1895 pair 20kr

From 1878 to 1918, Bosnia and Herzegovina was under Austro-Hungarian administration, though officially it remained part of the Ottoman Empire until 1908. During this time, special stamps were issued for use in Bosnia and Herzegovina.

Key points about these stamps:

1. Initial use: The first Austrian stamps specifically for Bosnia and Herzegovina were issued in 1879.
2. Design: Early stamps featured the Austro-Hungarian coat of arms.
3. Languages: Inscriptions on the stamps were typically in German, sometimes with additional text in Bosnian.
4. Currency: The stamps were denominated in kreuzer and gulden until 1906, then in heller and krone.
5. Themes: Later issues often depicted local scenery, buildings, and cultural motifs from Bosnia and Herzegovina.
6. Postal stationery: In addition to stamps, various types of postal stationery (like postcards and envelopes) were also issued.
7. End of issue: The last stamps of this type were issued in 1918, coinciding with the end of World War I and the dissolution of Austria-Hungary.

These stamps are collectible items and can provide insights into the historical and political situation of Bosnia and Herzegovina during this period.