Independent State of Croatia:
Types and varieties on semi-postal and commemorative postage stamps

12 October 1941. The first issue for Croatian Red Cross.

Designed by Oto Antonini, printed in offset and letterpress (red cross) by Tipografija d.d. Paper thick, gum glossy, lightly yellowish and thick, frequently with bubbles. Perforation line: 10½ : 10. Printed in panes of 25. Valid until 31 May 1942. Unsold stamps were destroyed.

These stamps were printed in two runs, 350.000 complete sets in total. In the first run the press sheets consisted of 4 panes and in the second run it consisted only of 2. The types that appear on these stamps are present only on stamps of the first run and only on one of the four panes. Unsold stamps were destroyed.

CIRCULATION AND PANES
Denomination		 1st printing 2nd printing Destroyed
Circulation Pane Circulation Pane
1.50 + 1.50 kn, Prussian blue and red 150.000 N/A 200.000 1.50 + 1.50 kn 133
2 + 2 kn kn, olive brown and red 150.000 2 + 2 kn 200.000 2 + 2 kn 166
4 + 4 kn brown lake and red 100.000 N/A 250.000 4 + 4 kn 147

Engraver’s mark appears on the 17th field on value 1.50 + 1.50 kn, 9th field on value 2 + 2 kn and 17th field on value 4 + 4 kn, but not on every pane. In total 1875 stamps with engraver’s mark were produced on values 1.50 + 1.50 kn and 2 + 2 kn, and 1250 stamps on 4 + 4 kn.

TYPES
2 + 2 kn., olive brown and red
I Markings on the dagger in the form of the patriarchal cross.
Field №: 9 (8th stamp)
Other nomenclatures: –
Notes: –
Value €: 40
4 + 4 kn., brown lake and red
I Croatia 1941 Red Cross postage stamp with engraver mark Inverted triangle on the left sleeve (the left stamp).
Field №: 17 (13th stamp)
Other nomenclatures: –
Notes: –
Value €: 40

5 December 1941. Charity and propaganda stamp with surtax for organizers of the exhibition “The Decisive Battle in the East” (Presudna borba na Istoku).

Unknown designer, printed in offset by Tipografija d.d. Paper thin and white, gum white, perforation line 11-11½.

UNLISTED VARIETIES
4 + 2 kn., blue
1 White spot on cheek of second soldier.
2 Colored spot in left frame, next to letter B of BORBA.
3 Colored spot on the right corner of the mouth of the second soldier. Croatia 1941 anti-bolshevik exhibition postage stamp error
COINCIDENTAL VARIETIES
4 + 2 kn., blue
1 Perforation variety (dimensions).

25 March 1942. Aviation Exposition in Zagreb.

Designed by Rudolf Valić and prepared by S. Mirosavljević and Tomšić, printed in offset by Tipografija d.d. Paper white, gum white, perforation line 11½ and imperforate. Valid until 30th of June 1942. Unsold stamps were destroyed.

Stamps were printed in press sheets of 6 panes: 3 panes of 24 stamps (Type II) and 3 panes of 25 stamps (Type I).

CIRCULATION AND PANES
Denomination Stamps printed Stamps destroyed Panes
Type I
(25 stamps)		 Type II
(24 stamps)
2 + 2 kn., sepia 245.000 74.101 2 + 2 kn. 2 + 2 kn.
2.50 + 2.50 kn., dark green 245.000 74.083 2.50 + 2.50 kn. 2.50 + 2.50 kn.
3 + 3 kn., brown carmine 245.000 74.123 3 + 3 kn. 3 + 3 kn.
4 + 4 kn., deep blue 245.000 74.024 4 + 4 kn. 4 + 4 kn.

All values exist with a numeral in the lower right corner (on the 12th field in a pane). Author’s intention was to indicate the year mark 1942 by putting one number on each stamp. Instead, when stamps are sorted by their values, the indicated year is 1924.

TYPES
2 + 2 kn., sepia
I Mark 1 in the lower right corner on 2 + 2 kn. stamp.
Field №: 12
Other nomenclatures: –
Notes: –
Value €: 10
2.50 + 2.50 kn., dark green
I Mark 9 in the lower right corner on 2.50 + 2.50 kn. stamp.
Field №: 12
Other nomenclatures: –
Notes: –
Value €: 10
3 + 3 kn., brown carmine
I Mark 2 in the lower right corner on 3 + 3 kn. stamp.
Field №: 12
Other nomenclatures: –
Notes: –
Value €: 10
4 + 4 kn., deep blue
I Mark 4 in the lower right corner on 4 + 4 kn. stamp.
Field №: 12
Other nomenclatures: –
Notes: –
Value €: 10
TYPES OF SOUVENIR SHEETS
I Croatia 1942 souvenir sheet type designer mark R Black letter R (Rudolf) in the lower right corner. Only on imperforate souvenir sheets.
Other nomenclatures: –
Notes: souvenir sheet.
Value €: 85
IIa Croatia 1942 souvenir sheet type designer mark V White letter V (Valić) in the lower right corner. Only on imperforate souvenir sheets where the airplane has colored spot at the end of the wing.
Other nomenclatures: –
Notes: souvenir sheet.
Value €: 85
IIb Spot at the end of the wing of the airplane but without designer’s sign.
Other nomenclatures: –
Notes: souvenir sheet. This variety of souvenir sheet is very rare.
Value €: –
Note:
In available literature the existence of printer’s waste is not mentioned. However, two versions of Ministry Albums were issued which contained proof prints, print phases, prints on various types of papers, etc.
Imperforate Souvenir Sheet: positions of values changed
Imperforate Souvenir Sheet: colors and positions of values changed
Imperforate Souvenir Sheet: colors changed

9 April 1942. First anniversary of Croatian independence.

Stamps were printed on newly produced plates of the scenery set, as the border markings and constant varieties differ from the definitive issue of the scenery issue stamps. Perforation varies between 11 and 11¼

The stamps were printed by Tipografija d.d. in two colors: the stamp in photogravure and additional text (date with coat of arms) in offset. A press sheet consisted of 4 panes each having 100 (10 x 10) stamps. Two original printing plates (having 100 stamps each) were printed twice on a press sheet in order to produce 4 impressions of 100 stamps.

In order to avoid a “scramble” after head-to-tail stamps, the Postal Directorate ordered panes of 100 to be split in the middle. The original pane therefore consists of 50 stamps. Still, a considerable number of head-to-tail stamps came to the market.

Valid until 31st of May 1942. Unsold stamps were destroyed.

CIRCULATION PANES
Denomination Stamps printed Stamps destroyed 1. pane 2. pane 3. pane 4. pane
2 kn., sepia 250.000 75 N/A N/A N/A N/A
5 kn., dark carmine 250.000 4290 N/A N/A N/A N/A
10 kn., dark green 250.000 3546 N/A N/A N/A N/A
CONSTANT VARIETIES
2 kn., sepia Field number*
I II
I Croatia, postage stamp plate error: Damaged numeral 2 in 1942 Damaged numeral 2 in 1942. 5 –
Other nomenclatures: –
Notes: –
Value €: 5
II White circle between the towers of the cathedral. 1 –
Other nomenclatures: –
Notes: also numerals 1941-19 damaged at top (not mentioned in literature).
Value €: 5
5 kn., carmine Field number*
I II
I First Anniversary of Croatian Independence stamp error white spot above letter A in KUNA White spot above letter A in KUNA. 35 –
Other nomenclatures: –
Notes: –
Value €: 5
II First Anniversary of Croatian Independence stamp error white spot with colored dot below the bridge White spot and colored dot below the bridge. 36 –
Other nomenclatures: –
Notes: –
Value €: 5
10 kn., black green Field number*
I II
I Croatia, postage stamp type: Letter A (engraver's mark) in the center right Letter A (engraver’s mark) in the center right. – 14
Other nomenclatures: –
Notes: –
Value €: 35
II Croatia, postage stamp type: Letter A (engraver's mark) in the lower left part Letter A (engraver’s mark) in the lower left part. 15 –
Other nomenclatures: –
Notes: –
Value €: 40
III NDH Croatia, postage stamp plate error: White dot on letter C in PLITVICE and damaged numeral 2 in 1942 White dot on letter C in PLITVICE and damaged numeral 2 in 1942. 5 –
Other nomenclatures: –
Notes: –
Value €: 10

* Roman numerals in Field column indicate halves of the original panes.

UNLISTED VARIETIES
2 kn., sepia
1 Roman numerals I and V in overprint connected. Roman numerals I and V in overprint connected
2 Coat of arms damaged to the bottom left. NDH Croatia 1942 2 kune postage stamp flaw coat of arms damaged
5 kn., carmine
1 Colored dot above white mountain in the center of the design.
10 kn., black green
1 Colored spot in the lake above letter P in PLITVICE. NDH Croatia, postage stamp error: Colored spot in the lake above letter P in PLITVICE
2 Disturbance in color on upper lake, below tree branches. First Anniversary of Croatian Independence stamp error: colored spot on lake
3 Underprint missing in the top left part of the design. First Anniversary of Croatian Independence stamp error: missing underprint
4 Lower outline of coat of arms missing.

13. June 1942. The first philatelic exhibition in Banja Luka.

Designed by Hinko Baranek, printed in photogravure by Tipografija d.d., paper offset, gum yellowish, perforation line 11. Pane consists of 100 (10 x 10) stamps. There are indications that these stamps were printed together with the definitive issue, as se-tenant stamps with and without F.I. exist (originating from printer’s waste).

CIRCULATION PANE
Denomination Stamps printed Stamps destroyed 1. pane
100 kn., violet 100.000 – Link
CONSTANT VARIETIES
100 kn., violet
I Croatia 1942 Banja Luka stamp error: Colored dots in the cloud to the left Colored dots in the left cloud.
Field №: 20
Other nomenclatures: –
Notes: –
Value €: 8
II Croatia 1942 Banja Luka stamp error: White spot on the door of the house in the center White spot on the door of the house in the center.
Field №: 47
Other nomenclatures: –
Notes: –
Value €: 8
III Croatia 1942 Banja Luka stamp error: Letter H in the tree top (probably a designer's signature) Letter H in the tree top (probably a designer’s signature).
Field №: 56
Other nomenclatures: –
Notes: –
Value €: 50
IV Croatia 1942 Banja Luka stamp error: Wide white lines at the top of the ornament Wide white lines at the top of the ornament.
Field №: 63
Other nomenclatures: –
Notes: –
Value €: 10
V Croatia 1942 Banja Luka stamp error: White dot at the top of the building to the left White dot at the top of the building to the left.
Field №: 94
Other nomenclatures: –
Notes: –
Value €: 8
VI Croatia 1942 Banja Luka stamp error: Two colored spots in the left cloud Two colored spots in the left cloud.
Field №: 97
Other nomenclatures: –
Notes: –
Value €: 8
UNLISTED VARIETIES
100 kn., violet
1 White spot with colored dot left from minaret. Croatia 1942 Philatelic Exhibition postage stamp error

5 July 1942. Charity issue for organization Pomoć (Help).

Designed by Oto Antonini, printed in photogravure by Tipografija d.d. Paper white, thick, gum yellowish, perforation line 11. A press sheet consisted of 4 panes. each having 25 (5 x 5) stamps. Therefore varieties don’t appear on every pane. Valid until 31st of October 1942. Unsold stamps were destroyed.

CIRCULATION PANES
Denomination Stamps printed Stamps destroyed A B C D
3 + 1 kn., lake 250.000 110.435 varieties I,II variety III N/A N/A
4 + 2 kn., dark brown 250.000 112.964 varieties I, II, III, IV N/A N/A N/A
5 + 5 kn., deep blue green 250.000 113.587 varieties I, II, 1, 2 variety III N/A N/A
CONSTANT VARIETIES
3 + 1 kn., lake
I White dot on letter E in NEZAVISNA.
Field №: 1
Other nomenclatures: –
Notes: –
Value €: 5
II White circle on the cheek of first trumpeter.
Field №: 5
Other nomenclatures: –
Notes: –
Value €: 5
III Croatia 1942 triangle on trousers of trumpeter Triangle on trousers of first trumpeter.
Field №: 5
Other nomenclatures: –
Notes: –
Value €: 20
4 + 2 kn., dark brown
I Cross on white field above the letter D in DRŽAVA.
Field №: 11
Other nomenclatures: –
Notes: –
Value €: 25
II Damaged letter K in HRVATSKA.
Field №: 16
Other nomenclatures: –
Notes: –
Value €: 15
III Damaged frame below letter K in HRVATSKA.
Field №: 22
Other nomenclatures: –
Notes: –
Value €: 5
IV Dark circle next to the second flag to the right.
Field №: 23
Other nomenclatures: –
Notes: –
Value €: 5
V White spot above second A in NEZAVISNA.
Field №: 7
Other nomenclatures: –
Notes: –
Value €: 15
5 + 5 kn., deep blue green
I White circle on baby’s dress.
Field №: 1
Other nomenclatures: –
Notes: –
Value €: 5
II Multiple white and colored dots on the mother’s hand and baby’s dress.
Field №: 6
Other nomenclatures: –
Notes: –
Value €: 5
III Croatia 1942 postage stamp flaw letter A on sleeve Letter A on mother’s sleeve.
Field №: 7
Other nomenclatures: –
Notes: –
Value €: 20
UNLISTED VARIETIES
5 + 5 kn., deep blue green
1 White circle on baby’s left hand (field 9). Croatia 1942 charity postage stamp plate flaw: white circle on baby's left hand
2 White circle on mother’s neck (field 25). Croatia 1942 charity postage stamp flaw white circle on mother's neck

4 October 1942. The second issue for the Croatian Red Cross.

Designed by Oto Antonini, printed in photogravure and letterpress (red cross) by Tipografija d.d. Paper white, thick, gum white, perforation line 11. Printed in panes of 25 (5 x 5): 24 stamps and center field with red cross and coat of arms. Press sheet consisted of 6 panes. Listed varieties don’t appear on every pane. Valid until 31st of October 1942. Unsold stamps were destroyed. Note: stamps of 10 and 13 kuna had higher value than any postal letter service.

CIRCULATION PANES
Denomination Stamps printed Stamps destroyed A B C D E F
1.50 + 0.50 kn. 528.000 318.349 no var. N/A N/A N/A N/A N/A
3 + 1 kn. 768.000 536.299 no var. var. I, II N/A N/A N/A N/A
4 + 2 kn. 288.000 136.242 no var. var. I, II N/A N/A N/A N/A
10 + 5 kn. 240.000 80.723 var. I N/A N/A N/A N/A N/A
13 + 6 kn. 144.000 4.948 var. I, II N/A N/A N/A N/A N/A
CONSTANT VARIETIES
1.50 + 0.50 kn., orange brown and red
I A sickle in girl’s left hand.
Field №: 1
Other nomenclatures: –
Notes: –
Value €: 10
II Bright curved line below girl’s left hand.
Field №: 22
Other nomenclatures: –
Notes: –
Value €: 5
3 + 1 kn., dull purple and red
I Thin line connecting the letter k in kn. and lower frame.
Field №: 1
Other nomenclatures: –
Notes: –
Value €: 5
II Spot on girl’s left hand (above numeral 1 in denomination).
Field №: 4
Other nomenclatures: –
Notes: –
Value €: 5
4 + 2 kn., deep blue and red
I Bright line on letter n in kn.
Field №: 5
Other nomenclatures: –
Notes: –
Value €: 5
II Bright circle on the right side of the inscription BOSNA.
Field №: 15
Other nomenclatures: –
Notes: –
Value €: 5
10 + 5 kn., olive bister and red
I Damaged letter H in HRVATSKA.
Field №: 9
Other nomenclatures: –
Notes: –
Value €: 10
13 + 6 kn., rose lake and red
I Vertical red spot on girl’s belt.
Field №: 1
Other nomenclatures: –
Notes: –
Value €: 5
II Dot between numeral 6 and letter k in denomination.
Field №: 24
Other nomenclatures: –
Notes: –
Value €: 5
UNLISTED VARIETIES
3 + 1 kn., dull purple and red
1 White spot between second N in NEZAVISNA and Red Cross emblem.
1.50 + 0.50 kn., orange brown and red
1 Line connecting letter Z in NEZAVISNA and the left frame. Croatia Red Cross stamp error: Z and left frame joined
2 Comma sign between letters H and R in HRVATSKA. Croatia 1942 Red Cross stamp error comma between H and R
10 + 5 kn., olive bister and red
1 Horizontal line next to the letter S in NEZAVISNA. Croatia 1942 Red Cross Stamp flaw
2 Curved line between last letter A of NEZAVISNA and H of HRVATSKA. Croatia 1942 Dalmatia Red Cross stamp error
3 Large spot over last A in HRVATSKA.

22 November 1942. For Ustaše Youth organization (Ustaška mladež).

Designed by Boldesar and Vulpe, printed in photogravure by the State Press in Vienna (Staatsdruckerei Wien). Paper white, gum yellowish, perforation line 14½. A pane consisted of 16 (5 x 5) stamps and 9 fields with names of demonstrators who died in Senj in 1937. Press sheet consisted of 8 panes. Listed varieties don’t appear on every pane.

Valid until 15th of February 1943. Unsold stamps were destroyed.

CIRCULATION PANES
Denomination Stamps printed Stamps destroyed A B C D E F G H
3 + 6 kn. 800.000 287.395 var. I no var. N/A N/A N/A N/A N/A N/A
4 + 7 kn. 800.000 289.205 var. I, II no var. N/A N/A N/A N/A N/A N/A
CONSTANT VARIETIES
3 + 6 kn., dark red
I Colored dot above the numeral 3 in denomination.
Field №: 24 (15th stamp)
Other nomenclatures: –
Notes: –
Value €: 5
4 + 7 kn., sepia
I Black dots below Ante Starčević’s hand.
Field №: 22 (14th stamp)
Other nomenclatures: –
Notes: –
Value €: 5
II Big colored circle in the top right corner.
Field №: 25 (16th stamp)
Other nomenclatures: –
Notes: –
Value €: 5

17 January 1943. For State Labour Service (DRS stands for Državna radna služba).

Designed by R. Auer, printed in offset by Tipografija d.d. Watermarked white paper, thick, gum white, perforation line 11½. Stamps were printed in panes of 9. 108.000 complete sets were printed. The issue was almost completely sold out. Valid until 30th of April 1943. Unsold stamps were destroyed.

CIRCULATION PANES
Denomination Printed Destroyed A B C D E F G H I
2 + 1 kn. 108.000 4 Link N/A N/A N/A N/A N/A N/A N/A N/A
3 + 3 kn. 108.000 18 Link N/A N/A N/A N/A N/A N/A N/A N/A
4 + 7 kn. 108.000 21 Link N/A N/A N/A N/A N/A N/A N/A N/A
CONSTANT VARIETIES
2 + 1 kn., olive gray and sepia
I Dot on the worker’s left hand.
Field №: 4
Other nomenclatures: –
Notes: –
Value €: 5
3 + 3 kn., brown sepia
I Broken letter V in HRVATSKA.
Field №: 5
Other nomenclatures: –
Notes: –
Value €: 5

21 March 1943. 700 years from proclaiming Zagreb a free royal city.

The stamp was designed by Oto Antonini and printed by Tipografija d.d. in offset in three colors. Paper is white thin and semi transparent. Perforation is line, between 11 and 11¼ and imperforate. The printing of stamps was ordered twice (in 4.2.1943 and 8.3.1943).

It is assumed that 240.000 stamps were printed in panes of 8 (4 x 2). The circulation is disputed as a result of the lack of official documents, the way the stamp was sold and due to the fact that this stamp was used overprinted after the war as a municipal stamp of the city of Zagreb (Ercegović, 1995: 291).

The stamp was in sale only on the exhibition Zagreb on stamps which held between 21st and 25th of March 1943 and organized by the municipality of Zagreb. It was sold by municipal employees (not postal) under condition that each visitor could get 4 stamps after buying 4 entrance tickets. The stamps were not sold in post offices, they came in circulation by agreements with Croatian Philatelic Society and Society of philatelic merchants to which a part of the circulation was ceded. Valid until: 25 March 1943.

CIRCULATION PANES
Denomination Printed Destroyed A B C D E F
3.50 kn., dark blue 240.000 ? var. I var. I, II N/A N/A N/A N/A
CONSTANT VARIETIES
3.50 kn., ultramarine
I Broken 9 in 1942, appears on all panes.
Field №: 2
Other nomenclatures: –
Notes: –
Value €: 5
II White dot in the Bull, appears only in one part of the issue.
Field №: 8
Other nomenclatures: –
Notes: –
Value €: 5

7 July 1943. Notable historical figures.

Designed by Ivo Režek and engraved by Karl Seizinger. Printed in line engraving by State Press in Vienna (Staatsdruckerei Wien), paper white, gum yellowish, perforation line 12 : 12½ and imperforate.

CIRCULATION
Denomination Stamps printed Panes
1 kn, dark blue 1.986.800 Click here
2 kn, dark olive green 2.000.000 Click here
3.50 kn, dark red 1.968.500 Click here

15 July 1943. For widows, children and families of Croatian legionnaires on the Eastern Front.

Designed by Rudolf Valić, printed in offset by Tipografija d.d. Paper white (stamps) and white gray (souvenir sheets), gum white, perforation line 11½. Printing sheets consisted of 4 unmarked panes, each having 100 (10 x 10) stamps. Souvenir sheets were printed in printing sheets of 36 (6 x 6).

These stamps were in obligatory use in July and August, unsold stamps were destroyed:

  • 1 + 0.50 kn stamp for printed papers up to 50 grams and postal stationeries printed by the post
  • 2+ 1 kn for postal stationeries not printed by the post
  • 3.50 + 1.50 kn for regular letters up to 20 grams
  • 9 + 4.50 kn for registered letters

The start of the obligation was planned for the July 1st 1943 but due to the shortage of stamps it was postponed to the July 16th 1943. The shortage was caused by increased demand as the whole available quantity were immediately bought by the public and stamp dealers (especially the values of 1 + 0.50 kn and 9 + 50 kn).

Shipments franked by official stamps were exempt from paying the contribution. Recipient of the shipment without these stamps were obliged to pay double postage and double contribution. This was charged by postage dues, therefore the families of the legionnaires did not benefit from it. Users of franking machines were obliged to use the stamps.

CIRCULATION PANES
Denomination Printed Destroyed Plate 1 Plate 2 Plate 3 Plate 4
1 + 1.50 kn., green 2.130.000 374.140 N/A N/A N/A N/A
2 + 1 kn., dark red 3.580.000 2.379.697 N/A N/A N/A col. 1-5
col. 6-10
3.50 + 1.50 kn., dark blue 6.950.000 3.948.249 N/A N/A N/A N/A
9 + 4.50 kn., chestnut 1.760.000 425.344 N/A N/A N/A N/A
Souvenir sheet, perforated 200.000 950
Souvenir sheet, imperforate 200.000 970
CONSTANT VARIETIES
2 + 1 kn., rose Field number
I II III IV
I Colored dot on pilot’s cap. – – – 3
Other nomenclatures: –
Notes: –
Value €: 3,5
II Letter Ž in DRŽAVA deformed. – – – 18
Other nomenclatures: –
Notes: –
Value €: 5
3.50 + 1.50 kn., dark blue Field number
I II III IV
I Croatia, stamp plate error: Colored dot on soldier's nose Colored dot on soldier’s nose. 46, 96 46 – –
Other nomenclatures: –
Notes: –
Value €: 3,5
II White spot on the lower part of the letter “V” in “HRVATSKA”. 14, 86 31, 81, 86 31, 86 31
Other nomenclatures: –
Notes: –
Value €: 5
III Croatia, stamp plate error: Colored spots below the letter D in STALINGRAD Colored spots below the letter “D” in “STALINGRAD”. – – 76 –
Other nomenclatures: –
Notes: –
Value €: 5
9 + 4.50 kn., chestnut Field number
I II III IV
I Croatia, stamp plate error: Colored spot in front of soldier's nose Colored spot in front of soldier’s nose. 18, 68 – – –
Other nomenclatures: –
Notes: –
Value €: 3,5
UNLISTED VARIETIES
1 + 0.50 kn., green
A Colored dot above the soldier’s cap. Croatia, stamp error: Colored dot above the soldier's cap
3.50 + 1.50 kn., dark blue
A White dot on letters H and R in HRVATSKA and colored line below. Croatia postage stamp error legion on Russian front
B Colored dot in the field. Croatia Legion Stalingrad postage stamp error
9 + 4.50 kn., chestnut
A Colored dot in the field below letter O in DON. Croatia 1943 Croatian Legion on Russian Front stamp error
COINCIDENTAL VARIETIES
A Offsets. Croatia, stamp error: Offset

12 September 1943. For the 3rd philatelic exhibition of the Croatian Philatelic Society.

Engraved by Karl Seizinger after the work of Vladimir Kirin. Printed in line engraving by the State Press in Vienna (Staatsdruckerei Wien). White paper, yellowish gum, perforation of stamps line 14&fac12; and imperforate, souvenir sheets 12½. Stamps were printed in panes of 40 (8 x 5), a press sheet consisted of 4 panes. Souvenir sheets were printed in press sheets of 6, only one of them bears engraver’s signature. Valid until 30th of September 1943. Unsold stamps were destroyed.

CIRCULATION AND PANES
Denomination Stamps printed Overprinted
Hrvatsko more 8. IX 1943		 Panes
18 + 9 kn., gray 560.000 120.000 18 + 9 kn.
TYPES OF STAMPS
18 + 9 kn., gray violet
I Croatia, stamp type: Engraver's sign (S stands for Seizinger) on the window above the door Engraver’s sign (S stands for Seizinger) on the window above the door.
Field №: 22
Other nomenclatures: –
Notes: –
Value €: 20
TYPES OF SOUVENIR SHEETS
18 + 9 kn., dark brown
I Croatia 1943 souvenir sheet type: Engraver's sign (S stands for Seizinger) on the left from the entrance Engraver’s sign (S stands for Seizinger) on the left from the entrance.
Note: According to Sezinger’s own remark, the “S” in souvenir sheet wasn’t engraved by him but probably by someone in the press.
Other nomenclatures: –
Notes: on 1 out of 6 souvenir sheets
Value €: 30

3 October 1943. The third issue for the Croatian Red Cross.

Designed by Ivo Režek and printed by Tipografija d.d. in offset and letterpress (red cross). Paper white, gum white glossy, perforation 11 and imperforate. A press sheet consisted of 4 panes, each having 100 (10 x 10) stamps. Valid until 31 December 1943. Unsold stamps were destroyed.

CONSTANT VARIETIES AND TYPES
3.50 + 1.50 kn., bright blue, red
I Postage stamp plate error: Blue dot on mother's eye Blue dot on mother’s eye.
Field №: 21, 26, 71, 76
Other nomenclatures: –
Notes: –
Value €: 3,5
8 + 3 kn., brown
I Colored spot on nurse’s veil.
Field №: 59
Other nomenclatures: –
Notes: –
Value €: 4,5
II Colored dot on nurse’s shoulder.
Field №: 32, 37, 82, 87
Other nomenclatures: –
Notes: additional brown spot on nurse’s head on this example from printer’s waste.
Value €: 3,5
18 + 8 kn., brown
I Top curve of letter S in HRVATSKA broken.
Field №: 12, 17, 62, 67
Other nomenclatures: –
Notes: –
Value €: 3,5
UNLISTED VARIETIES
1 + 0,50 kn.
1 Indentation in top frame above T in HRVATSKA.
3.50 + 1.50 kn.
1 White dot between letters S and K in HRVATSKA. Croatia 1943 Red Cross stamp error
9 + 4 kn.
1 Indentation to the top frame above the first letter A of HRVATSKA, small deformation of the left frame next to the first letter N in NEZAVISNA. Croatia 1943 Red Cross stamp flaw
2 Circle above last A in NEZAVISNA.
3 Dark spot on nurse’s breast.
10 + 5 kn., deep purple
1 Colored spot on mother’s dress, next to child’s face. Croatia 1943 Red Cross stamp error: colored dot on dress
12.50 + 6  kn.
1 Brown spot on top of Red Cross emblem.
32 + 12 kn.
1 Gray dot above the frame. ND Croatia 1943 Postage stamp error: Gray dot above the frame
2 Gray curved line on nurse’s cheek. Croatia 1943 Red Cross stamp error: gray line on nurse's cheek
3 Colored dot on top of nurse’s head. Croatia 1943 Red Cross stamp error: dot on nurse's head
4 Indentation in top frame above first A in HRVATSKA.

12 December 1943. Famous Croats – Ruđer Bošković, astronomer and mathematician.

Designed by Ivo Režek and engraved by Karl Seitzinger. Stamps were printed in line engraving by State Press in Vienna (Staatsdruckerei Wien). Perforations: line perforated 11¾ and imperforate. Printing sheet consisted of 2 panes, each having 100 (10 x 10) stamps. Valid until the fall of Independent State of Croatia. Some of these stamps were used after the war in provisional issue in Mostar.

CIRCULATION
Stamps printed Used in provisional
issue for Mostar
3.50 kuna, copper red 2.000.000 7.700
12.50 kuna, dark violet brown 2.000.000 7.800
TYPE
12.50 kn., dark violet brown
I Croatia 1943 postage stamp Ruđer Bošković Seizinger Engraver’s sign (S stands for Seizinger) on the right hand.
Field №: 73
Other nomenclatures: –
Notes: only in one of the two panes.
Value €: 15

3 February 1944. For the postal and railway employees foundation.

Designed by Ivo Režek, printed in offset by Tipografija d.d. Paper white with oscillations in thickness, gum white, perforation line 11½. Designer’s mark “R” is visible on all stamps. Printing sheet consisted of 16 panes with 9 stamps (3 x 3) each. Valid until 31st of March 1944, unsold stamps were destroyed.

CIRCULATION PANES
Denomination Printed Destroyed A B C D
7 + 3.50 kn, olive bister and red 499.968 155.813 var. I N/A N/A N/A
16 + 8 kn, blue and dark blue 499.968 155.930 no var. N/A N/A N/A
24 + 12 kn, red and rose red 499.968 156.074 no var. N/A N/A N/A
32 + 16 kn, gray and red 499.968 156.020 no var. N/A N/A N/A
CONSTANT VARIETIES
7 + 3.50 kn., olive bister and red
I Postage stamp plate error: A dot on the mouthpiece of the post horn A dot on the mouthpiece of the post horn.
Field №: 2 (?)
Other nomenclatures: –
Notes: another example.
Value €: 3,5
UNLISTED VARIETIES
24 + 12 kn., red and rose red
1 Curved line right from Mercury’s helmet wings. Croatia 1944 Mercury stamp error
COINCIDENTAL VARIETIES
32 + 16 kn., gray and red
1 Gone through paper print. Croatia 1944 postage stamp error offset gone through paper print

16 February 1944. For war invalids.

Designed by Ivo Režek, printed in offset by Tipografija d.d. Paper white, gum white, perforation line 11½. Printing sheet consisted of 16 panes with 9 stamps (3 x 3) each.

UNLISTED VARIETIES
7 + 3.50 kn., orange red and rose carmine
1 Bright red circle below frame, below letters T and S in HRVATSKA. Croatia 1944 war invalids postage stamp error

22 May 1944. For the organization Ustaška mladež (Ustashe youth).

Designed by Oto Antonini, printed in photogravure by the State Press in Vienna (Staatsdruckerei Wien). Paper white, gum yellowish ridged. Perforation: stamp with denomination 12.50 + 287 kn perforated line 14½, other stamps imperforate. A pane consisted of 20, the stamp with denomination 12.50 + 287 kn consisted of 30 stamps. Printing sheet consisted of 4 panes. Valid until 30th of June 1944. Unsold stamps were destroyed.

The stamp with denomination 12.50 + 287 kn was additionally commissioned after the death of Jure Francetić (depicted on the stamp) and is known as a mourning stamp. The stamp was in sales for about a half an hour in the post office ZAGREB 1. In this time 577 examples were sold under condition that for one mourning stamp the buyer had to buy 20 sets of the other three values. Other stamps were sold to subscribers under the same condition which means that the lower denomination were completely sold out (Ercegović, 1995: 370-371).
The surcharge in value of 287 kn was against the regulations regarding issuing of commemorative stamps, but was approved by the Ministry of Transport.

CIRCULATION (disputed) AND PANES
Denomination Printed Destroyed Panes
3.50 + 1.50 kn, brown red 952.000 484 N/A
12.50 + 6.50 kn, slate blue 952.000 484 N/A
18 + 9 kn, olive brown 952.000 484 N/A
12.50 + 287,50 kn, black 75.000 33 Example 1 Example 2
CONSTANT VARIETIES
12.50 + 287.50 kn., black
I Black dot on Francetić’s nose.
Field №: 7
Other nomenclatures: –
Notes: –
Value €: 15
UNLISTED VARIETIES
12.50 + 287.50 kn., black
1 Dot on the collar.
2 Dots on Francetić’s nose and upper lip.
Found on field 10.		 Croatia 1944 Jure Francetić postage stamp error

12 November 1944. The fourth issue for the Croatian Red Cross.

Designed by Ivo Režek and printed by Tipografija d.d. in offset. Paper white, gum white, perforation line 11½ and imperforate. A press sheet consisted od 16 panes. A pane consisted of 16 (4 x 4) stamps. Sets printed: 700.000. Sets destroyed: 2560. Valid until 31st of January 1945. Unsold stamps were destroyed.

CIRCULATION PANES
Denomination Printed Destroyed
2 + 1 kn. 700.000 2.560 N/A
3.50 + 1.50 kn. 700.000 2.560 Pane with varieties II, III and IV and unlisted variety 1
12.50 + 6 kn. 700.000 2.560 Pane without varieties
CONSTANT VARIETIES
3.50 + 1.50 kn., carmine and red
I Colored dot between letters V and A in HRVATSKA.
Field №: 6
Other nomenclatures: –
Notes: –
Value €: 3,5
II Colored dot on the left side from the letter H in HRVATSKA.
Field №: 7
Other nomenclatures: –
Notes: –
Value €: 3,5
III Colored dot on zero in surcharge 1.50.
Field №: 13
Other nomenclatures: –
Notes: –
Value €: 3,5
IV Colored dot on zero in denomination 3.50.
Field №: 16
Other nomenclatures: –
Notes: –
Value €: 3,5
12.50 + 6 kn., indigo and red
I Bright line over the numeral 6 in denomination.
Field №: 4
Other nomenclatures: –
Notes: –
Value €: 3,5
UNLISTED VARIETIES
2 + 1 kn., green and red
1 Thin line above letter H in HRVATSKA.
3.50 + 1.50 kn., carmine and red
1 Bright-colored thin horizontal line on band with inscription damaged near letter H of HRVATSKA. Croatia 1944 Red Cross stamp error
2 Indentation in band with inscription near letter H of HRVATSKA.
(Field 7)		 Croatia 1944 Red Cross stamp error indentation in band
3 Numeral 3 in denomination deformed. Croatia 1944 Red Cross stamp error numeral 3 deformed

9 January 1945. Storm Division (Udarna divizija).

Designed by Oto Antonini and printed by Tipografija d.d. in offset. Paper white, gum white, perforation line 11. and imperforate. A press sheet consisted od 4 panes, each having 20 (5 x 4) stamps.

FORGERIES
SOUVENIR SHEET
It is believed that the most successful forgery of Storm Division souvenir sheet was produced using 7 out of 9 original films. Two original films were not available to forgers: the one with designer’s initials O.A., the other of the burelage.

In genuine printing, the designer’s initials are in manuscript (designer produced them by hand). That gave rise to 4 types of genuine souvenir sheets.

Forgers produced missing plate using typeset initials:

  • dots after letters are leveled and equally spaced,
  • letters are uniform, whit A’s being slightly modified to appear more authentic.
Forgery
UNLISTED VARIETIES
50 + 50 kn., brick red
1 Colored dot on helmet of the third soldier. Croatia 1945 Storm Division postage stamp error

19 March 1945. For postal employees fund.

Designed by Ivo Režek, printed in photogravure by Tipografija d.d. Paper white, gum white, perforation line 11½. Press sheet consisted of 16 panes. Valid until 3rd of April 1944. Unsold stamps were destroyed.

CIRCULATION PANES
Denomination Printed Destroyed
3.50 + 1.50 kn., gray 490.000 – Link
12.50 + 6 kn., brown carmine 490.000 – Link
24 + 12 kn., dark green 490.000 – Link
50 + 25 kn., brown violet 490.000 – Link
100 + 50 kn., brown (souvenir sheet) 100.000 36.063 –
CONSTANT VARIETIES
50 + 25 kn., brown carmine
I Postage stamp plate error: Damaged plus sign and the numeral 0 in 50; three dots above postman's hat Damaged plus sign and the numeral 0 in 50; three dots above postman’s hat.
Field №: 3
Other nomenclatures: –
Notes: another example.
Value €: 40
100 + 50 kn., brown carmine
I
  • Green dot above the post horn,
  • brown dot above woman’s head,
  • letters V and N in BRZOJAVNO underlined.
Other nomenclatures: –
Notes: –
Value €: 15
II
  • Green dot above the post horn,
  • brown dot above woman’s head.
Other nomenclatures: –
Notes: –
Value €: 15
UNLISTED VARIETIES
100 + 50 kn
1 White dot on postman’s hat.

1 May 1945. Labor day.

Designed by Oto Antonini, printed in photogravure by Tipografija d.d. Paper white, gum white, perforation line 11½. Press sheet consisted of 4 panes, each having 100 (10 x 10) stamps. Circulation is unknown (the stamp was issued 7 days before the end of the war), the postal administration ordered 5.000.000 stamps.

CIRCULATION PANES
Denomination Stamps printed Stamps destroyed top left top right bottom left bottom right
3.50 kn., brick red 5.000.000 – N/A N/A Link Link
CONSTANT VARIETIES
3.50 kn., red brown
I White dot connecting the first letter A and D in RADA.
Field №: 19
Other nomenclatures: –
Notes: –
Value €: 5
II Whitening around numeral 4 in 1945.
Field №: 28
Other nomenclatures: –
Notes: –
Value €: 3,5
III Colored dot on reins.
Field №: 56
Other nomenclatures: –
Notes: –
Value €: 3,5
IV The third bird in the sky (and a thick white line just above reins).
Field №: 62
Other nomenclatures: –
Notes: –
Value €: 5
V Deformed top left corner.
Field №: 78
Other nomenclatures: –
Notes: –
Value €: 3,5
UNLISTED VARIETIES
Found on bottom left pane
1 Thin line over the center of the design (multiple stamps in 9th column).
2 Circle above the plow, spot on second A in HRVATSKA.

(Field 14)
3 Two vertical lines above the plow.

(Field 20)
4 Thick colored smudge below BLAG in BLAGDAN.

(Field 24)
5 Letter N in BLAGDAN short on top.

(Field 37)
6 Vertical line behind the farmer.

(Field 52)
7 Triangle shaped white spot below first A in RADA.

(Field 61)
8 Thick colored line below RADA.

(Field 65)
9 Big white spot in center of the design.

(Field 68)
10 Two large colored spots above the plow.

(Field 70)
11 Long scratch over farmer’s right leg, horizontal line on left leg.

(Field 85)
12 Thick colored spot on left frame.

(Field 92)
13 Long thin line next to right frame.

(Field 96)
14 Two pale colored spots above the plow.

(Field 100)

 

Bibliography

  1. Ercegović, Velimir (1995): HRVATSKA FILATELIJA – Od predfilatelije do maraka Republike Hrvatske, Agencija za komercijalnu djelatnost, Zagreb ISBN-13: 978-9539641915
  2. Katalog poštanskih maraka jugoslovenskih zemalja (1991), Jugomarka (Belgrade). YU ISSN 0351-4447