Montenegro — Stamps & Postal Service

Postal Service Overview

Pošta Crne Gore (Post of Montenegro) is Montenegro’s national postal operator. Montenegro has two stamp-issuing periods: the Principality/Kingdom of Montenegro (1874–1918), one of the Balkans’ earliest and most charming stamp-issuing entities, and the independent Republic of Montenegro from 2006. Between these periods, Montenegrin territory was part of Yugoslavia. Montenegro adopted the Euro as its currency unilaterally in 2002, making it one of the few non-EU countries to use the Euro on its stamps.

Notable Stamp Issues

Montenegro’s first stamps, issued in 1874, depicted Prince Nikola I Petrović-Njegoš in a striking engraved design — these are affectionately called the “Bear” stamps by collectors due to the Prince’s imposing appearance. The 1879 and subsequent issues refined the design. Montenegro’s WWI occupation stamps (Austrian and French) are specialist items. The independent republic’s first stamps in 2006 depicted the Montenegrin landscape, Bay of Kotor, and the new republic’s coat of arms. Modern Montenegrin stamps feature Durmitor National Park and coastal heritage.

Collecting Tips

Classic Montenegrin stamps (1874–1918) are relatively affordable and charming. The principality period includes perforated and imperforate varieties. WWI occupation stamps require specialist catalogues. Yugoslav stamps from Montenegrin postal history bridge the two independent periods. Post-2006 issues are available from Pošta Crne Gore. Montenegro’s small annual stamp programme makes complete sets achievable. The Bay of Kotor and Lake Skadar are recurring landscape themes.

Part of the Europe Postal Directory.