Yugoslavia postage stamps year 1991 Complete year collection MNH

Yugoslavia postage stamps year 1991 Complete year collection MNH

Collecting the 1991 complete year set for Yugoslavia is a fascinating choice because it captures the nation at its final turning point. This was the year Slovenia and Croatia declared independence, leading to a complex mix of issues, from standard commemoratives to emergency overprints.

A “complete year” typically includes roughly 40–50 commemorative and definitive stamps, along with several souvenir sheets.

1. Major 1991 Commemorative Sets

These are the core sets a collector looks for to complete the year:

• Lighthouses of the Adriatic & Danube: A large and beautiful 12-stamp set featuring various maritime and river beacons (e.g., Savudrija).
• Protected Animal Species (Migratory Birds): A set of 4 stamps often found in a se-tenant (joined) strip, featuring cranes and other species.
• Flora (Crocus Flowers): A colorful set of 4 stamps showcasing regional flowers.
• Pioneers of Aviation: Commemorating Edvard Rusjan and Otto Lilienthal.
• Art & Culture: Several issues dedicated to historical architecture, monasteries, and painters (e.g., the “Monastery Icons” series).
• Europa 1991: The annual Europa issue, which featured European aerospace and satellite themes.

2. The “Postal Services” Definitives

The definitive series (postmen and postal equipment) continued in 1991. Because of rising inflation, you will see new denominations and various overprints. To have a “complete” year, most collectors look for the basic set plus any major overprinted varieties released that year.

3. Historical Significance: The “Split” Issues

1991 is unique because it is the year of Mixed Franking. You may find “mixed” covers where both Yugoslav stamps and the newly issued provisional stamps of Croatia or Slovenia were used together during the transition. While not always part of a “year set,” they are highly prized by 1991 specialists.