Croatia's First Postage Stamp

Croatia · 1991 · 1 Yugoslav dinar

This stamp, Croatia's first, features a stylized map of the country in the national colors of red, white, and blue. Superimposed on the map is the Croatian coat of arms, the distinctive red-and-white chequy (šahovnica). The design symbolizes the new nation's sovereignty and geographical identity.

Issued on September 9, 1991, this stamp marks Croatia's declaration of independence from Yugoslavia, which occurred earlier that year. It was a pivotal moment during the breakup of Yugoslavia and the beginning of the Croatian War of Independence.