Croatia 1997 Europa Cept – Tales & Legends – Mint never hinged (**)
In 1997, the common theme for the Europa CEPT stamp series was “Tales and Legends.” Croatia participated with a set that celebrated its rich literary heritage and folklore, specifically focusing on the works of the beloved author Ivana Brlić-Mažuranić and the poet Vladimir Nazor.
The 1997 “Tales and Legends” Set
Issued on March 6, 1997, this set consists of two stamps. The artwork captures the whimsical and often mystical nature of Croatian storytelling.
| Face Value | Subject / Story | Author |
| 1.30 kn | Home Genies (Domaći) from “Stribor’s Forest” | Ivana Brlić-Mažuranić |
| 3.60 kn | Veli Jože (The Giant Jože) | Vladimir Nazor |
Story Details
- Stribor’s Forest (1.30 kn): This story is part of the famous collection Croatian Tales of Long Ago. The stamp depicts the Domaći (small, mischievous household spirits/genies) that emerge from a fireplace to help a mother deal with her ungrateful son and his snake-enchantress wife.
- Veli Jože (3.60 kn): This legend tells the story of a gentle giant from the Istrian town of Motovun. He represents the strength and historical struggle of the Istrian people for freedom.
Technical Information
- Designer: Nevenka Arbanas (academic painter and graphic artist).
- Printing: Multicolored offset by AKD – Croatian Printing House, Zagreb.
- Format: Issued in sheets of 20 stamps.
- Quantity: 350,000 sets.
- Market Value: The set is quite affordable, typically found for $2.50 – $4.00 USD in MNH (Mint Never Hinged) condition.
Historical Note: Sremsko-Baranjska Oblast
During this same year, the UN-administered region of Eastern Slavonia (Serbian Krajina) also issued a “Tales and Legends” set. While these are often listed under “Croatia” in some catalogs, they are a distinct issue featuring Prince Marko and The Emperor Trajan.
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