SHS – Slovenia postage stamp year 1919 20 Olive brown Used
The postage stamp you are referring to is part of the famous “Verigar” series, the first stamps issued for Slovenia (which was then part of the State of Slovenes, Croats and Serbs, or SHS) after the dissolution of the Austro-Hungarian monarchy in 1918.
Here are the key details about the SHS – Slovenia 1919 20 vinara (vinar) stamp:
- Series Name: Verigar (from the Slovenian word verige, meaning chains), depicting a slave breaking his chains, symbolizing liberation.
- Issuing Entity: Država SHS (State of Slovenes, Croats and Serbs).
- Denomination: 20 vinar (The currency changed from heller/kronen to vinars/dinars).
- Year of Issue: 1919 (with later printings in 1920).
- Variations: The 20 vinar stamp is a common value and has significant variations, which greatly affect its value:
- Printing Method: It was printed using both lithography (Ljubljana print) and letterpress/typography (Ljubljana and Vienna prints). The lithographed stamps were issued earlier in 1919.
- Perforation/Roulette: Different perforation types exist (e.g., $11\frac{1}{2}$, saw-tooth roulette, roulette in lines).
- Color Shades: Multiple shades of brown/sepia were used.
- Paper Type: Different papers were used (smooth, rough, thick, thin, white, yellowish, grayish).
- Constant Varieties/Flaws: Known plate flaws or constant varieties can make a specific stamp more valuable to collectors.
Regarding Value:
- Common Versions: Due to large circulations, the most common versions of the 1919/1920 20 vinar stamp, both used and mint (with hinges or disturbed gum), are generally of low value, often selling for a few dollars/euros each.
- More Valuable Versions: The value increases significantly for:
- Mint, Never-Hinged (MNH) examples in excellent condition.
- Specific Printings/Paper/Perforation varieties that are scarcer.
- Stamps with constant varieties/errors.
- Stamps on cover/letter (postal history) with a rare cancel or destination.
- Local Issues (like the Beltinci local issues from that period) are much rarer, but the 20 vinar Verigar is generally a general issue.
