Norway — Stamps & Postal Service

Postal Service Overview

Posten Norge AS is Norway’s national postal service, a state-owned limited company headquartered in Oslo. Norway has a rich philatelic tradition dating from its first stamps in 1855, when the country was in union with Sweden. Following dissolution of the union with Sweden in 1905, Norway continued as an independent stamp-issuing nation. Norwegian stamps are known for their high printing quality and beautiful natural and cultural themes.

Notable Stamp Issues

Norway’s 1855 4 skilling blue depicts the Norwegian coat of arms and was printed by the Norwegian Bank. The skilling oval issues (1855–1863) are classic Scandinavian philatelic material. The 1872 numeral issues and subsequent Oscar II portrait stamps mark Norway’s Victorian-era philatelic period. Post-independence stamps from 1905 onwards have featured the Norwegian lion, Norse mythology, and stunning landscapes. The 1930 Zeppelin airmail overprints are historically significant. Modern Norwegian stamps feature fjords, the Northern Lights, and maritime heritage.

Collecting Tips

The NK (Norgeskatalogen) is the standard Norwegian reference, published by the Norwegian Philatelic Society. Classic Norwegian stamps in used condition with clear cancellations are in good supply. Mint examples of early issues are rarer. Norwegian plate and printing varieties are well-documented. The 1914–1919 issue overprinted for wartime use is a specialist area. Norway’s annual Christmas stamps, issued since 1978, form a popular thematic run.

Part of the Europe Postal Directory.