Croatia 1991 Coat of Arms

Croatia · 1991 · 1 HRD

This stamp features the coat of arms of the Republic of Croatia, a distinctive red-and-white checkerboard (chequy) shield known as the šahovnica. The shield is surmounted by a crown made of five smaller shields representing the historical regions of Croatia. This was the first stamp issued by the newly independent nation.

Issued on September 9, 1991, this stamp marks Croatia's declaration of independence from Yugoslavia, which occurred earlier that year, and the beginning of its independent postal service during the Croatian War of Independence.