SHS – Slovenia stamp year 1919 20v on E paper certificate
The “Verigar” stamps, also known as “chainbreakers,” are a significant part of Slovenia’s philatelic history. These were the first postage stamps issued by the State of Slovenes, Croats, and Serbs after the dissolution of the Austro-Hungarian Empire following World War I. The name “Verigar” comes from the Slovene word “veriga,” meaning “chain,” symbolizing the breaking of chains and thus the newfound freedom from Austro-Hungarian rule.
Designed by the painter Ivan Vavpotič, the stamps feature an image of a strong man breaking free from chains, a powerful symbol of liberation and independence. The design was inspired by the gymnast Stane Derganc, who served as the model for the artwork.
These stamps were issued on January 3, 1919, and were produced in various denominations ranging from 3 to 40 filler, each in different colors and sizes. The top of the stamp bears the Cyrillic inscription “ДРЖАВА СХС” and the bottom “DRŽAVA SHS,” indicating the State of Slovenes, Croats, and Serbs in both scripts).
The Verigar stamps remain a popular and collectible item among philatelists, with various versions and errors making them particularly interesting to collectors (MegaMinistore). They were commemorated in later years, including a 75th-anniversary reissue in 1993 and another for the 90th anniversary in 2009
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