Norway Postage Due Stamp, 1889-1926 Series

Norway · 1889 · 12 øre

This stamp is part of Norway's first series of postage due stamps, issued to collect payment for insufficient postage from the recipient. The design is purely functional, featuring a large numeral '12' indicating the value in øre, surrounded by ornate scrollwork and the words 'PORTO' (Postage) and 'MÆRKE' (Mark/Stamp). The simple, clear design ensured its purpose was immediately understood by postal workers and the public.

Issued from 1889, this series was a standard part of Norwegian postal operations for nearly four decades, reflecting the common need to address underpaid mail during a period of expanding postal services.