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Sweden’s postal service dates back to 1636 when the first organised mail system was established. The country issued its first postage stamps in 1855, featuring the Swedish coat of arms. Swedish stamps typically display the country's name as Sverige, which is Sweden’s name in Swedish.

Sweden is a constitutional monarchy, meaning it has a king, but his role is mostly ceremonial. The current king, Carl XVI Gustaf, has been on the throne since 1973. Swedish stamps have often featured past monarchs, such as Gustaf V and Gustaf VI Adolf, reflecting the country’s royal history.

Stamps Through the Years

• 1636 – Sweden’s first postal system was created under King Gustav II Adolf.
• 1855 – Sweden issued its first stamps, featuring the Swedish coat of arms and different values from 3 to 24 skilling.
• 1951 – Sweden issued its first stamp featuring King Gustaf VI Adolf, a common theme in later issues.
• 1967 – The country introduced self-adhesive stamps, making it easier for people to use them.
• 2001 – Sweden became one of the first countries to issue stamps featuring QR codes.

Did You Know?

• Sweden’s first stamps in 1855 included the famous Treskilling Yellow, a misprinted stamp that is one of the rarest and most valuable in the world.
• In 1924, Sweden issued special stamps for the Stockholm Olympics, one of the earliest sports-themed stamp series.
• Sweden introduced Posthorn stamps in 1872, which became a long-running series used for many years.
• Some Swedish stamps are printed with a special scratch-and-sniff feature, allowing people to smell scents like cinnamon buns or Christmas trees!
• Born in Poland in 1921, Czesław Słania, was one of the world’s most famous stamp engravers. He worked on over 1,000 stamps, including many for Sweden, and his detailed designs set a high standard for engraved stamps.

A selection of Swedish stamps.

Issued in 1861: 12 ore Coat of Arms.

Issued in 1872: Numeral Circle Type Stamp

Issued in 1935: Marking the 500th anniversary of Sweden’s first Parliament, the Old City Hall in Stockholm is a historic building featuring medieval architecture.

Issued in 1935: The Swedish Exchange, built in the 17th century in Renaissance style, was once a stock exchange and now houses the Swedish Academy.

Issued in 1935: Stockholm Cathedral, built in the 13th century in Gothic style, is over 800 years old and has hosted royal ceremonies, showcasing stunning medieval architecture.

Issued in 1935: The House of the Nobility in Stockholm is where records of Swedish noble families are kept. It used to be part of Sweden's Parliament and also hosted concerts in the past.

Issued in 1935: The Houses of Parliament in Stockholm, located on the island of Helgeandsholmen, is home to the Swedish parliament. Designed in neoclassical style & completed in 1905.

Issued in 1941: Royal Palace at Stockholm, a baroque-style residence, houses royal apartments, museums, the Treasury, hosts official events and the changing of the guard.

Issued in 1998: Traditional Buildings, Stads Hotel at Eksjo

Issued in 1998: Traditional Buildings, Fish Market Hall at Goteborg.

Issued in 2004: The Stockholm Archipelago has 30,000 islands, skerries and rocks, extending 80 kilometres east of Stockholm into the Baltic Sea.

Issued in 2004: The Stockholm Archipelago Series - Lighhouse and Sailing Boat