The first postage stamps of the Post of Kosovo were issued on March 15, 2000. The first edition of postage stamps of PK consisted of five (5) postage stamps with different images and nominal values. The denominations that determined the value of the postage stamp were in DM (The Deutsche mark) currency, which at that time was the official currency in Kosovo.

The first edition of Post of Kosovo stamps was in regular postal circulation until November 12, 2001, when the second edition of PK postage stamps was released. As part of this edition, five (5) postage stamps with different images and nominal values were issued. Characteristic for the second edition of PK postage stamps was that the denominations were in two currencies, DM and € (Euro), because at that time in Kosovo, the official currency was converted from the German mark to the euro. The second edition has been in regular postal circulation for a relatively short period of time. With the withdrawal of the German mark currency from monetary circulation, the necessity of issuing postage stamps with nominal values in € is presented. Therefore, on May 15, 2002, the third edition of PK postage stamps was released in regular postal circulation. The images of the five (5) postage stamps of the third edition were the same as those of the second edition. The difference was only in the currency used, because in the third edition the nominal values were marked only in euro currency. Let us also add that this edition was in regular postal circulation until it was completely consumed.

The most rapid development of Kosovo Philately begins in 2004, when it became possible to issue a larger number of themes, which has continued to grow from year to year.

Of particular historical value in the Philately of Kosovo are the postage stamps from the commemorative edition “March 7 – Teacher’s Day”, issued on March 7, 2008, in which for the first time the text “Republic of Kosovo”, “Day of independence “, was issued on March 19, 2008, which promoted the new state, with strong sovereignty and identity, jubilee and semi-jubilee note of independence, heroes, etc.

Although the Kosovo Philately is relatively new in terms of activity, compared to the postal administrative philatelies in the region, until now it has managed to have a prosperous fund of postage stamp issues that deal with different topics from history, art, sports, flora and fauna, natural beauty, etc.

A brief history of postage stamps in the world

In the past, postal services were paid for in cash, usually the recipient made the payment. Often a short  note was written on the envelope and the receiver, upon reading it, refused to accept the letter and the payment. In such cases, the postal service was misused by irresponsible people. To avoid such situations, the Englishman Rowland Hill proposed that small receipts for the payment made be attached to the envelope. Legend has it that during the walk, Mr. Hill visited the port, where various goods and mail were unloaded. His curiosity was awakened by a young girl who was waiting for the postman. The employee who was accustomed to always meeting this girl, as soon as he got off the ship, handed her an envelope. The girl looked at the envelope, but did not accept it. Mr. Hill approached the girl and asked her: “But why didn’t you get the letter”, the girl answered: “I didn’t have money to pay for it, but through the signs I understood that my fiance is fine”. Therefore, in England, on May 6, 1840, the first postage stamp in the world known as “Penny Black” was issued. It got the name “Black Penny” because the portrait of Queen Victoria is printed on the black background of the postage stamp, while its declared value was one (1) penny.

Originally, postage stamps were printed on large sheets and cut with scissors, which took a lot of time, until the discovery of the perforation machine by the British constructor Archer, in 1847.

From the date of the first stamp issued, postal service payments began in England. Gradually, other European countries also began to use the postage stamp as a means of payment for postal services, hence at the end of the 19th century the postage stamp became an integral part of postal circulation.

The magical world of the postage stamp

In the not too distant past, the arrival of a letter, which the postman brought home, was a real event. The whole family excitedly waited to see what was written in the letter. This was the way of communication with our loved ones and the written letters were kept, tied with a ribbon, in drawers as fond memories.

In terms of appearance, the attractiveness of the letter was undoubtedly enhanced by the postage stamp. The image of some distant place in the world on a postage stamp it piqued our interest, and it often stimulated our fantasy, imagining that we are visitors to that same exotic place.
Few people have ever wondered, in their childhood, why are postage stamps placed on the letter envelope. The “Why?” they realized when they started sending letters, postcards, or packages themselves.

With a postage stamp, we prove that we have paid for the postal service which the postal workers perform for us. Thus, the postage stamp is the counter value of the postal service, which Post conducts for consumers.

Whilst our demand for postal services may be different, postage stamps have different denominations/values, depending on the service requested.

Usually, the nominal value is marked in the upper right corner of the postage stamp. Depending on the motif, the denomination may move at an angle, which will not damage the motif presented in the design of the stamp. In the postage stamp, the logo of the postal operator is presented and the name of the country from which it is issued must be noted.

The written letter evokes emotions and nostalgia, the sender’s handwriting presents a customized personalization of requests of different natures, which at the same time are materials with the possibility of reading and re-reading. During the journey of the letter, the postage stamp also travels, which, through its image, presents its country of origin. Therefore, it is natural that many collectors call the postage stamp the ambassador of the country of issue, because through it, natural beauties, cultural-historical heritages, natural wealth, various achievements in the field of science, art and sport are presented.

That being so, don’t be surprised by the fact that postage stamps may seem small at first glance, their uniqueness is that we learn a lot from them, almost like a book about the country that issued them.

Now we invite you to travel together through the years, through the images of postage stamps of the Post of Kosovo Philately!

 

Postage stamps