SHS / Chainbreakers year 1920 – 15k & 20k blocks MNH

SHS / Chainbreakers year 1920 – 15k & 20k blocks MNH

“SHS” stands for the Kingdom of Serbs, Croats, and Slovenes, which was formed after World War I and later renamed the Kingdom of Yugoslavia. This kingdom was a union of several South Slavic peoples who had previously been part of the Austro-Hungarian Empire.

In 1918, after the collapse of the Austro-Hungarian Empire, the South Slavic territories began to unite under the leadership of the Serbian monarchy, resulting in the establishment of the Kingdom of Serbs, Croats, and Slovenes. However, it wasn’t until 1920 that the official name “Kingdom of Serbs, Croats, and Slovenes” was adopted.

During this transitional period, postage stamps were issued to reflect the new political entity. These stamps typically featured symbols of unity, such as coats of arms or allegorical representations of the diverse peoples within the kingdom.

Given the historical significance of this period, stamps issued during 1918-1920 from the Kingdom of Serbs, Croats, and Slovenes are highly sought after by collectors interested in Balkan history and philately. They serve as tangible artifacts of the region’s transition from empire to nation-state.