With the onset of the pandemic, decided to transition from WW collecting to a handful of countries or areas. The objective was to focus on what I have come to refer to as "affordable varieties". Be they perforations, paper types, printing varieties, shades, etc. Among my short-list is early Austria.

The "Coat of Arms" issues were philatelic workhorses, sandwiched btwn the Austro-Hungarian Empire and the Austrian monarchy. According to Scott, there are six values (Sc 41 - 46), two watermarks, shades, and six perforation varieties. Initially complicating this matter (at least for me) is the fact the set includes both line perforation and harrow perforation varieties.

Further research helped bring the "hunt" into clearer focus. In reality, not every one of the six values was produced in each of the six perforation sizes. Perf 9.5 and 10 are harrow. The balance are line. So, excluding color/shade varieties, the number became 27.

Perf 9 includes five stamps, P9.5 six, P10 six, P10.5 five, P11.5 one, and P12.5 four.



With respect to color/shade varieties, specialty catalogues reveal the following:

2k: yellow-brown, red-brown

3k: yellow-green, blue-green

5k; lt red, carmine

10k: blue, ultramarine

20k: dk olive, grey

50k: bright mauve, dull purple.

(Note: Have yet to personally find examples of each of the color/shade varieties cited above.)


Each of the values/varieties has a modest catalogue value except for the 50k dull purple.

Lastly, the 5k carmine was reprinted in 1894. P10.5 (line). Thin, transparent paper. Yellowish gum.


The preceding is not intended to be an authoritative treatise, but rather a brief summary of my research specific to the "Coat of Arms" series. As such, welcome input from other SOR members.