Czech and Czechoslovak stamps represent over a century of remarkable design and historical documentation. From the artistic masterpieces of Alphonse Mucha to the distinctive Hradcany Castle series, this philatelic area offers collectors beautiful stamps, rich history, and accessible entry points.
History of Czech Stamps
Austrian Period (1850-1918)
Before independence, Czech lands used Austrian Empire stamps. While not strictly "Czech," stamps postmarked from Bohemian, Moravian, and Silesian towns are collected as regional postal history. Prague postmarks on early Austrian issues are particularly sought after.
First Czechoslovak Republic (1918-1938)
The birth of Czechoslovakia on October 28, 1918, created immediate need for national stamps. The famous Hradcany series, designed by Alphonse Mucha, appeared in December 1918. These stamps featuring Prague Castle became iconic symbols of the new nation.
The interwar period produced numerous attractive issues, many featuring Art Deco designs. Airmail stamps, commemoratives for national events, and charity issues all appeared during this golden age of Czech philately.
Occupation and WWII (1938-1945)
The Nazi occupation created a complex philatelic situation. Bohemia and Moravia protectorate stamps, Sudetenland overprints, and Slovak state issues all document this troubled period. These stamps remain historically significant if sometimes controversial collectibles.
Communist Era (1948-1989)
Socialist Czechoslovakia produced vast quantities of stamps, many with propaganda themes but also featuring excellent design and printing quality. Space exploration, culture, and sports themes predominate. While individual stamps have modest value, complete thematic collections are increasingly appreciated.
Czech Republic (1993-Present)
Following the peaceful dissolution of Czechoslovakia, the Czech Republic established its own postal service. Modern Czech stamps continue strong design traditions, with many issues featuring work by noted artists and designers.
Key Issues and Series
Hradcany Series (1918-1920)
The cornerstone of any Czech collection, designed by Alphonse Mucha. Multiple printings, paper varieties, and perforation differences create extensive collecting opportunities. Key points:
- First printing on unwatermarked paper
- Later printings on watermarked paper
- Imperforated varieties
- Color shades and print variations
- Overprinted issues for special purposes
Masaryk Issues
Stamps featuring President Tomas Garrigue Masaryk appeared throughout the First Republic and remain popular. Various denominations, formats, and printing methods make this a rich collecting area.
Legion Stamps
Stamps issued for Czechoslovak Legion forces during and after WWI. These include issues from Siberia and other locations where legionnaires operated. Genuine items are scarce and often expertized.
Airmail Issues
Czechoslovakia issued attractive airmail stamps from 1920. Early issues featuring aircraft and allegories are particularly collectible. The 1930 surcharge varieties include some significant rarities.
Valuable Stamps to Know
Hradcany 25h Blue Error
The 25 haler value printed in blue instead of the correct violet. One of the most valuable Czechoslovak stamps when genuine.
1920 Airmail Inverts
Airmail stamps with inverted airplane vignettes. Extremely rare and valuable.
Siberian Legion Issues
Stamps printed for Czechoslovak forces in Siberia. Many varieties and counterfeits exist.
1934 Mucha Series
Alphonse Mucha's final stamp designs, celebrating the 20th anniversary of the Legion. Sought after for both philatelic and artistic value.
For expensive items, always seek expert certification. The Society for Czechoslovak Philately and other organizations can recommend experts.
Popular Collecting Areas
Thematic Collections
Czech stamps offer excellent thematic collecting opportunities:
- Art and Artists: Mucha designs, artwork reproductions
- Architecture: Castles, churches, Prague landmarks
- Sports: Olympics, soccer, ice hockey
- Nature: Flora, fauna, national parks
- Space: Extensive communist-era space issues
Postal History
Collecting covers and postal markings adds historical context to stamps. Areas include:
- First day covers from various periods
- Airmail flight covers
- Registered and special service mail
- Occupation and liberation period covers
Varieties and Errors
Czech stamps offer numerous varieties for specialist collectors. Paper types, perforations, watermarks, and printing variations create extensive study opportunities.
Condition and Grading
Stamp condition significantly affects value. Key factors include:
Mint Never Hinged (MNH)
Original gum without hinge marks. Premium condition for post-1920 stamps.
Mint Hinged (MH)
Original gum with hinge remnant or mark. Acceptable for earlier issues.
Used
Cancelled stamps. Clean, legible cancellations on sound stamps are desirable.
Centering
Well-centered stamps with even margins command premiums over poorly centered examples.
For valuable stamps, factors like freshness, color, and any faults (thins, tears, creases) affect value. Professional certification is recommended for expensive items.
Building Your Collection
Getting Started
- Choose a focus area that interests you
- Obtain a good catalog (Michel, Scott, or specialized Czech catalogs)
- Start with affordable material to learn
- Join collector societies for knowledge and contacts
- Gradually add better items as your knowledge grows
Where to Buy
- Czech Post: Current issues at face value
- Philatelic Dealers: Look for established specialists in Czech material
- Auctions: Both live and online auctions offer extensive Czech material
- Shows and Bourses: Direct buying from dealers
- Online Platforms: Delcampe, eBay (exercise caution with expensive items)
Storage and Care
Albums
Use acid-free albums and mounts. Avoid older albums with acidic paper.
Environment
Store in cool, dry conditions. Avoid humidity that can damage gum and paper.
Light
Keep stamps away from direct sunlight to prevent fading.
Handling
Always use stamp tongs. Handle stamps by the edges only.
Resources for Collectors
Czech philately benefits from active collector communities and extensive resources. The Society for Czechoslovak Philately publishes journals and offers expertise. Czech catalogs provide detailed listings of varieties beyond what general catalogs cover.
Whether you collect for artistic appreciation, historical interest, or the pleasure of completing sets, Czech stamps offer rewarding possibilities at every level.