• Home
• Stamp Atlas
• Austria

Austria has a fascinating and rich philatelic past that reflects its long and eventful history. Its story begins in 1850 when the Austrian Empire issued its first imperforate postage stamps featuring the imperial coat of arms. At this time, the empire spanned many modern countries, including Austria, Hungary, Slovakia, parts of Italy, Poland, and beyond. These early stamps were used throughout the empire, except in Lombardy and Venetia, which used a different currency based on silver.

The main periods of Austrian stamp history are:

Austrian Empire (1850–1867): Its story begins in 1850 when the Austrian Empire issued its first imperforate postage stamps featuring the imperial coat of arms. At this time, the empire spanned many modern countries, including Austria, Hungary, Slovakia, parts of Italy, Poland, and beyond.

Austria-Hungary (1867–1918): Following the establishment of the Dual Monarchy in 1867, Austria issued stamps for both Austria and Hungary. These stamps featured dual-language inscriptions and distinctive designs for each half of the monarchy. During this period, Austria also issued the first-ever newspaper stamps in 1851. The empire's collapse in 1918 led to the creation of the First Austrian Republic.

First Austrian Republic (1918–1938): After the fall of the Austro-Hungarian Empire in 1918, Austria became a republic. This period was marked by economic hardship, with inflation driving the production of highly surcharged stamps. The stamps during this time reflect the country’s struggle for stability and its complex political changes following the collapse of the monarchy.

Anschluss and Nazi Period (1938–1945): In 1938, Austria was annexed by Nazi Germany in what is known as the Anschluss. Austrian stamps were replaced by German issues, although some transitional stamps featuring both Austrian and German designs were in use for a short time. This period of occupation is reflected in Austrian philatelic history with stamps celebrating Nazi ideology and the war effort.

Post-World War II (1945–Present): After World War II, Austria's postal system was re-established under the Allied occupation. Austrian stamps from this period feature a mix of historical, cultural, and national symbols marking Austria's recovery and re-establishment as a sovereign nation.

Today, Austrian stamps continue to commemorate its history and culture, offering collectors a glimpse into the events and achievements that shaped this unique nation.

Did You Know?

• Austria was the first country to issue newspaper stamps in 1851. These stamps allowed newspapers and magazines to be sent at a lower cost, making it easier to share information across the empire.
• Austria continued to innovate, introducing the world’s first postal card in 1869
• Austria created a fabric stamp in 2004 to honour its textile industry and later issued a ceramic stamp in 2008, showcasing its innovative use of materials.
• In 2018 Austria issued a stamp measuring 70 millimetres, to celebrate the Vienna Philharmonic Orchestra's 175th anniversary.
• Modern Austrian stamps include advanced security features like microtext and invisible ink, which are only visible under UV light or magnification.

How to Identify Austrian Postage Stamps:

• Country Name: Most stamps feature "Österreich" or "Republik Österreich," the German name for Austria. Older stamps may lack a country name but may show Emperor Franz Joseph, royal symbols or coats of arms.
• Currency: The currency on stamps indicates the era:
  • Kreuzer/Gulden (1850-1898)
  • Heller/Krone (1899–1924)
  • Groschen/Schilling (1925–1937)
  • Pfennig/German Reichsmark (1938–1945)
  • Groschen/Schilling (1945–2001)
  • Cents/Euro (2002 onwards)

Issued 1945: Definitive Series - 40 pfennig, New National Coat of Arms, issued in the Russian occupation zone.

Issued 2002: Definitive Tourism Series - 51 Euro, House of the Basilisk, Vienna.