Austria Empire year 1858 Lombardy Venetia – 2 Soldi stamp

Austria Empire 1858 Lombardy Venetia – 2 Soldi perforation 9½ MNG

The stamps of the Austrian Empire, specifically from the Lombardy-Venetia region, are highly collectible and historically significant. Lombardy-Venetia was a kingdom in northern Italy under Austrian rule from 1815 to 1866, and it had its own postal stamps during this period.

Key Points About Lombardy-Venetia Stamps:

1. First Issued in 1850: The first stamps were issued on June 1, 1850. These were some of the earliest stamps in the world, following the introduction of the postage stamp in Britain in 1840.
2. Design: The stamps featured the coat of arms of the Austrian Empire, depicting a double-headed eagle holding a sword and a scepter. The denomination was expressed in both Italian (soldi or centesimi) and German (kreuzer).
3. Imperial Eagle Series: The stamps from 1850 to 1858 typically included the imperial double-headed eagle and came in various denominations. The designs were quite intricate, with the eagle’s detail being a key characteristic.
4. Different Currencies: Stamps were issued in both the currency of the Austrian Empire (kreuzer) and the local Italian currency (centesimi or soldi).
5. Color Variations and Printings: There were numerous printings and color variations, which can affect the stamps’ rarity and value. For example, the 1850 issue included colors like brown, red, and black for different denominations.
6. Perforated and Imperforated: Early stamps were imperforated (meaning they had to be cut with scissors), but later issues introduced perforations for easier separation.
7. Post-Austrian Rule: After the Austrian Empire lost Lombardy to France and Sardinia in 1859 and Venetia to Italy in 1866, the use of these stamps ceased.

Collectibility:

Lombardy-Venetia stamps are prized among philatelists for their historical significance, unique designs, and the role they played in the early development of postal systems in Europe. Some rare issues or varieties can be quite valuable.

Identification Tips:

• Look for the eagle emblem, which is a common element in these stamps.
• Pay attention to the inscriptions, which are in both German and Italian.
• Note the denomination and currency, as they can indicate the specific period or issue.