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Poland’s postal history reflects the country’s enduring spirit through times of partition, independence, war, and renewal. From its first stamp under Russian rule to modern issues celebrating Polish culture and global connections, Polish philately tells the story of a resilient nation shaped by its motto: God, Honor, Homeland.

Before Stamps – Early Polish Post

Long before stamps were invented, people in Poland still sent letters and messages — but it was very different from today! In the 1500s, King Sigismund II Augustus set up one of the first organised postal routes in Poland. It was a royal postal system that carried messages between Kraków (the capital at the time) and Venice in Italy.

Back then, there were no post offices or stamps. Letters were delivered by messengers on horseback. The person receiving the letter often had to pay for it, not the sender. The early postal service was mainly used by kings, nobles, and merchants, not ordinary people.

In the 18th century, Poland’s postal service became more organised. Stagecoaches and relay stations were used, and the mail travelled faster. But everything changed in the 1800s, when stamps began to appear — and that's when Polish stamps began their own journey through history.

Stamps Through the Years

Poland’s First Stamp (1860): Poland’s first stamp was issued in 1860 when the country was still under Russian rule. The stamp showed the Polish white eagle, the symbol of Poland, along with Russian symbols. It was used only in the Kingdom of Poland, which had limited control over its own affairs. After a failed uprising against the Russian Empire in 1863, Russian stamps replaced Polish ones.

Issued 1860: 10 kopeks, Russian Arms.

Partitioned Poland (1772 to 1918): For over a century, Poland was not an independent country. From 1772 to 1918, it was divided between Russia, Austria, and Prussia (later Germany). Each of these powers operated their own postal system, and stamps from the ruling country were used in the territories they controlled:

• In Russian-controlled Poland, including Warsaw and the east, Russian stamps were used.
• In Austrian-controlled areas, such as Galicia and Kraków, Austrian stamps were used. In 1918, just before independence, Galicia briefly issued its own local stamps marked Poczta Polska (Polish Post).
• In Prussian/German-controlled regions, like Poznań and Silesia, Prussian (and later German Empire) stamps were used.

World War I (1915-1918): During World War I, German and Austrian armies occupied much of Poland. The Germans established a military postal service called Gen.-Gouv. Warschau (General Government of Warsaw) and issued German stamps overprinted with new values. These are known as occupation issues and are collected today as part of Poland’s complex postal history.

A New Start – Independence and the Interwar Years (1918 to 1939): In 1918, after World War I ended, Poland became an independent country again for the first time in over 120 years. To quickly get the postal system running, Poland used old German and Austrian stamps overprinted with Poczta Polska. Later that year, Poland printed its own stamps again. The first original stamps of the new republic showed the Polish white eagle.

In 1919, a new series of stamps was released showing a man sowing seeds, representing hope and new beginnings. During the 1920s and 1930s, Poland issued many stamps showing famous Poles, important events, buildings, and folk costumes. The early 1920s saw serious inflation, and stamp values had to increase quickly. Stamps helped remind people of their national identity during these difficult times.

Issued 1919: South Poland Issue - Eagle on a Baroque Shield Definitive Series - 10 halerz, Imperforate.

Issued 1919: North Poland Issue - 50 fenigow, crowned white eagle.

Issued 1919: the first Session of Parliament Series - 10 fenigow, crowned white eagle, dated 1919.

Issued 1919: Postage Due Stamp for South Poland- 2 fenigow, Numeral.

Issued 1921: Peace Treaty with Russia Series - 10 marka, the sower, Type II.

Issued 1921: Eagle on a Large Baroque Shield Series - 50 marka.

Issued 1922: Miner in Silesia Definitive Series - 200 marka.

Issued 1925: Historic Building Definitive Series - 20 groszy, galleon, Type II.

Issued 1929: National Exhibition at Poznan Definitive Series - 25 groszy, crowned white eagle.

Issued 1930: Centenary of the November 1830 Uprising Series - 25 groszy, soldiers.

Issued 1932: Coat of Arms Definitive Series - 15 groszy, crowned white eagle.

Issued 1934: 4th Death Centenary of Veit Stoss - 80 groszy, St Marys Church Alter, Cracow. Overprinted 25 groszy surcharge, Type I.

Issued 1933: Cross of independence - 30 groszy.

Issued 1935: Death of Józef Klemens Piłsudski Series - 25 groszy, Type I

Issued 1938: 20th Anniversary of Independence Series - 5 groszy, Boleslaw the Brave.

World War II (1939 to 1945): When World War II began, Poland was invaded by Nazi Germany from the west and the Soviet Union from the east. The German and Soviet forces took control of the postal system. In German-occupied areas, the Nazis created the General Government in central Poland and issued stamps with German text and Nazi symbols. In Soviet-occupied eastern areas, Soviet stamps were used instead.

Polish government-in-exile: based in London, also produced stamps for Polish people and soldiers abroad. These stamps were not used for regular mail but helped keep the idea of an independent Poland alive during the war.

German Occupation 1939 to 1945. Issued 1940: 50 groszy, Town hall tower, Kraków.

Exiled Government in London 1941 to 1945. Issued 1945: Imperforate, Warsaw before & after destruction - 3 zloty, St. Johns Cathedral.

Exiled Government in London 1941 to 1945. Issued 1946: Imperforate - 5 zloty, Bedzin Castle.

Exiled Government in London 1941 to 1945. Issued 1947: Imperforate - 15 zloty, Poets, Wyspianski, Slowacki & Kasprowicz.

After the War – The People's Republic of Poland (1945 to 1989): After World War II, Poland became a communist country controlled by the Soviet Union. During this time, stamps often showed factories, workers, soldiers, and space exploration. These themes were common across Eastern Europe and reflected communist ideals.

Issued 1964: Sailing Ships, 2nd Series - 1 zloty, 14th century Holk.

Issued 1966: Tourism Series - 60 groszy, Poniatowski Bridge, Warsaw, & Sailboat

Issued 1972: Victory Day 1945 - 60 groszy, Polish War Monument, Berlin.

Issued 1982: Environmental Protection - 6 zloty, Fish and Swan.

Modern Poland (1989 to Today): In 1989, communism ended in Poland and the country became a democracy again. Stamps began to show a wider range of themes, including famous Polish people, historic buildings, wildlife, and international topics.

In 2004, Poland joined the European Union. Since then, many stamps have focused on European history, cooperation, and shared values. Today, Poland continues to issue colourful and meaningful stamps that reflect its past and future.

Issued 1995: Cones Series - 80 groszy, Mountain Pine Cone.

Issued 1997: Polish Manor Houses - 1 zloty, Krzelawice near Kraków.

Issued 2000: St Mary's Sanctuaries - 70 groszy, Mother of God of Rózanystok.

Issued 2005: World Post Day - 1.3 zloty, Post Office at Kraków.

Did You Know?

• Local issues appeared in areas with disputed control, such as Danzig (Gdańsk) and Upper Silesia.
• During World War II, members of the Polish Resistance secretly delivered underground mail using handmade stamps.
• Charity stamps were issued with surcharges to support causes like war relief and post-war rebuilding.