Sweden has had a very stable stamp-issuing history since its first postage stamps, and collectors of Swedish stamps often concentrate on complete sets, specific subjects, or certain eras. The local name of the country is Sverige; these Sverige stamps offer endless possibilities for collectors.
The first Sverige stamp was issued in 1855; it used that inscription, SVERIGE, which was then always employed until the present day. In the early decades of Swedish postage stamp history, changes in the national currency necessitated new stamps. Collecting different currencies is one way many Swedish stamps collectors approach their hobby.
If you’re into having at least one of each currency name from Sverige stamps, here’s a handy chart for you:
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Currency Names on Sverige Stamps
- pre-1855 — 1858: 1 riksdaler banco = 40 skilling banco
Note: “Skilling” is pronounced as “shilling” in English.
- 1858 — 1874: 1 riksdaler = 100 öre
- 1874 — now: 1 krona = 100 öre
There have been many Swedish first day covers (FDCs), joint issues, maximum cards, and other special postal collectibles made available to buyers in addition to regularly-used postage stamps. Errors and certain covers also command attention from collectors.
One Sverige Stamp You’ll Never Own: The Treskilling Yellow
Speaking of error stamps, arguably the world’s most valuable postage stamp (from Sweden or anywhere else) is the so-called Treskilling Yellow. It’s a 3 skilling banco stamp from 1855 printed in the wrong color. Only one is known to exist, and it’s been sold for over $2 million at auction. You may be unable to secure this particular piece for your own collection. Sorry to be the bearer of bad news.
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But hey, Sverige stamps are more than just the Treskilling Yellow. There are countless ways to go about collecting the stamps of Sweden from the 1850s to now. There is no right or wrong method – whatever suits your tastes is the way to go. However you choose to build a Sweden stamp collection, online sellers are constantly offering a huge number of stamps. The selection changes constantly and you can find great stamps just by skimming sales listings.
If you collect Scandinavian stamps in general, you can also look for joint issue stamps from Sweden and its neighbors Norway, Finland, Denmark, Iceland, and the Åland and Faroe Islands.
In addition to regular-use postage stamps, Sweden has also issued stamps for air post, parcel post stamps, official stamps, postage due stamps, et cetera. Enjoy hunting down special Sverige stamps; it’s one of the richest veins for philatelists around!
