Switzerland Postage Due Stamp

Switzerland · 1878 · 5c

This is one of Switzerland's first postage due stamps, featuring a simple yet functional design. The central element is the large numeral '5' indicating the amount due, framed by an ornate border with the denomination '5c' repeated in the corners. The design is printed in two colors, green and black, to make it easily distinguishable from regular postage stamps.

Issued in 1878, these stamps were used by postal authorities to collect insufficient postage from the recipient of a letter, a common practice in the late 19th century.