Serbia year 2020 EUROPA Stamps – Ancient Postal Routes

Serbia year 2020 EUROPA Stamps – Ancient Postal Routes Unused MNH

The Serbia 2020 EUROPA stamps, with the theme “Ancient Postal Routes,” were issued on May 5, 2020. The issue consists of two stamps (and various formats like mini-sheets, FDCs, etc.) which depict historical methods of mail transport in the area of Serbia during the time of the Ottoman Empire and later under Prince Miloš.

The stamps feature:

1. Mail Runner (Sahiya): Specifically, a 17th-century mail runner (often called a sahiya), who were pedestrian messengers used for shorter distances and difficult terrain. They were known for wearing jingle bells under their left knee to announce their arrival and keep rhythm. (Face Value: 74 Serbian dinars)
2. Transporting Mail by Boat: This stamp illustrates the importance of water routes for mail conveyance, specifically ferries and boats, and later ships, which comprised an important link in the swift and safe conveyance of mail on rivers like the Sava and the Danube. (Face Value: 108 Serbian dinars)