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Serbia's postal history dates back to the 19th century when the country began to establish its own postal system. Over time, Serbia developed a strong postal service, issuing its first stamps in 1866. The country has undergone several changes, from being part of the Ottoman Empire to becoming part of Yugoslavia, and it now issues stamps as an independent nation.

Stamps Through the Years

• 1866: Serbia issued its first official postage stamps, featuring a portrait of Prince Mihailo.
• 1918: After World War I, Serbia became part of the Kingdom of Serbs, Croats, and Slovenes, later known as Yugoslavia.
• 1941-1944: During World War II, Serbia was occupied by Axis forces, and special stamps were issued under German control.
• 1991: Croatia declared independence from Yugoslavia, and new stamps were released to mark this important event. These stamps featured "Republika Hrvatska" (Republic of Croatia) and national symbols like the Croatian coat of arms, symbolising the country’s newfound sovereignty.
• 1992: After the breakup of Yugoslavia, Serbia issued stamps as part of the Federal Republic of Yugoslavia.
• 2006: Serbia became an independent country again, issuing stamps to reflect its new status.
• 2010: Serbia joined the Universal Postal Union, further strengthening its international postal connections.

Did You Know?

• Serbia’s first stamps, issued in 1866, featured a portrait of Prince Mihailo Obrenović, an important ruler who modernised the country and strengthened its independence from the Ottoman Empire.
• Serbia typically uses the name "Srbija" (Србија) in the Serbian Cyrillic alphabet, or "Serbia" in Latin script, on its stamps.
• Serbia's stamps often feature the currency "dinar" (динар), which is the official currency of the country.
• Mihajlo Pupin, born in 1854 in Idvor (now Serbia), was a physicist and inventor known for his contributions to telecommunications, particularly in improving long-distance phone lines. He has been honoured on Serbian stamps for his pioneering work in science and technology.
• A famous landmark depicted on Serbian stamps is the Kalemegdan Fortress in Belgrade. This historic site, dating back to Roman times, has been a key symbol of Serbia’s history and military strength, often appearing on stamps as a representation of the country's rich cultural heritage.
• The Manasija Monastery in Serbia (see stamp below) is not just a church. It is a real medieval fortress! 🏰 Built over 600 years ago by a ruler named Despot Stefan Lazarević, it has 11 strong towers, thick walls, and secret walkways to protect the monks inside. One special tower, called the Despot's Tower, is huge and was built to keep the ruler safe during attacks. Inside, the church is full of beautiful wall paintings called frescoes. They show Bible stories and even scenes from daily life at that time. Artists used bright colors and gold to decorate the walls. Manasija was not only a religious place. It was also a center for writing and translating books, kind of like a school and library combined. Monks stilll live there, follow their daily prayers, take care of the church and grounds, and sometimes even help preserve the history and traditions of the place. It is both a spiritual home and a historic site, where the past and present come together.
• King Peter I ruled Serbia from 1903 to 1918 and later became the first king of Yugoslavia. He supported freedom and democracy, and during World War I, he bravely stayed with his army, even though he was over 70 and very sick. People called him “Peter the Liberator” because he helped unite different South Slavic peoples into one country.

Issued 1911: King Peter I Definitive Series - 10 para, King Peter I of Serbia.

Issued 1942: Issued during the German Occupation of Serbia in World War II. Monasteries Series - 2 dinar, Manasija Monastry.