(1918) MiNr. 191 - O - Austria-Hungary - stamp from the series: emperor Franz Joseph I.

- condition and postmark of the stamp - according to the photo

The year 1916 and the last stamps with Franz Joseph I: The end of an era on postage stamps

The year 1916 was indelibly inscribed in the history of the Austro-Hungarian Empire - and thus also in the history of postage stamps. It was in this year that the last series of stamps with the portrait of Emperor Franz Joseph I, who reigned for an incredible 68 years, was issued. These issues not only represent the technical and graphic peak of the stamp production of the monarchy period, but also close one of the longest periods of depiction of the same monarch in the history of philately.

Edition 1916: Portrait of the Old Emperor

The 1916 stamps depict Franz Joseph I in his old age - with noticeable features of an aged face, beard and an expression that reflects the weight of the years and wartime. The portrait was created by the Austrian engraver Ferdinand Schirnböck and the stamps were printed using the steel printing technique, which allowed the details to be faithfully captured. This issue is often regarded as the most artistically accomplished of a number of stamps featuring the Emperor's portrait.

Nominals, colours and values

The stamps were issued in a variety of denominations - from a few pennies to higher crowns, intended for international correspondence. The colour differentiation helped easy orientation when sorting the mail. The series covered the needs of both civil and military mail, which is particularly important in the context of the ongoing First World War. The stamps thus served not only in the interior of the monarchy but also in overseas military missions.

Stamps issued posthumously

Even after the death of the Emperor in November 1916, these stamps remained in circulation for a short time. A replacement was issued in 1917 with a portrait of the new monarch, Charles I. Thus, the stamps with Franz Joseph continued to function in practice after his death, making them a remarkable historical transition between two eras.

Collector's point of view

The 1916 stamps are now among the most sought-after collectors' items. This is due to their historical significance, artistic quality and limited period of validity. A collection of stamps featuring Emperor Franz Joseph I is not complete without this final issue. For philatelists, these stamps represent an important element in reconstructing the last years of the monarchy and the development of the postal administration during the war.

Issue context

The 1916 stamp issue took place at a time when the monarchy was under economic and political pressure. Nevertheless, it was possible to create a series that still inspires admiration today. Technically demanding printing, high-quality paper and a strong symbol of the monarch in old age create a unique combination of aesthetics and history.