4-2009: Art in Montenegro #2, issued April 8, 2009

Let say one simple and clear! Why they still don't care about artistic improvement, more quality and more imagination in producing stamp with topic "ART"?

This three value set, that celebrated 125 year of Balkan Empress Performance, 75 year of birth V. Nikolic and 525 year Crnojevic Monastery.

All is important for Montenegro itself, even that Monastery can not be classified like "ART" but more to "Religion" or Architecture, or probably History - because Icons (that are not shown on stamp itself) that existed inside monastery - hardly it can go to "Art" topic!

This three stamp, ( really like this one with portrait of V. Nikolic, that illustrated artist in dare situation, probably bank personal problem, possible economic hard time in theatre where he worked?) have an face value of 1.50 euro, will be easy obtained from any dealer by face value, probably You will pay more for tab version of set, and sheetlet of 9 stamp will ask You for premium.

5-2009: Fauna-Fish, issued April 16, 2009

What to say about? Nothing! Instead to show us from more close view this 4 fish, we have one artistic message - with some "line" included. Probably it is "genetic" line, or "road map" - or "road to pan"??? Funny, but I saw many better made, more precise made issue with this topic.

Set alone have just 1.75 euro face value, no - this time from dealer You will not received it by face value, but with 20% more probably yes. Fish on stamp is: Bleak, Black umber, Ukljeva and Krap (Alburnus Scoranza, Heckel & Kner 1858, Cyprinus Carpio, Linneaus 1758).

Sheetlet of 5 set and one tab will cost You more than face value, but it is unavoidable, because this topic is frequent.

6-2009: EUROPA 2009 issue, "Astronomy", issued April 16, 2009

You know, I saw many "wrong" design in my life - but this one can be "classic" of all! Probably they intended to made it for "Children's Art" or other, but for EUROPA issue it didn't fit! From first sight, someone will see one ice cream cornet, and "Christmas Star" - one is common in both stamp, and it is some kind of ice cream with choco-chips, that need to be an comet. what to do - not everyone have in mind that what I have, and not everyone like what I like.

How much money to prepare? Face value for two stamp and block is just 3.00 euro, but You will not have it by this prices.

7-2009: Tourism in Montenegro, issued April 16, 2009

Little improvement in graphic design, but nothing new in stamp market, what they want to say and tell us is that Tourism is made from water skiing, rafting, canyon rafting and paragliding. Something that is common to all tourism destination around globe! Let's say - that if I will propose other that this? What You thing if I will made it from Sv. Stefan view of old building, sunshine in Budva coast, probably mountain panoramic view where is Ostrog monastery, and one nice flight attendant in airport, with smile of course!? But, it is what we have, and set of 4 stamp will cost 1.75 euro face value, because nature, sport, and other topic where this issue will fit, this set will be in demand. Don't forget that here we have also one booklet option, inside booklet is one set in different design (margin) than sheetlet!

8-2009: 300 year of Njegosh, issued June 4, 2009

Not bad, we have one portrait of this great man, clearly visible, with part of his work in behind portrait. Don't mix it with other great man from this family (P. P. Njegosh) - here is mentioned Archbishop Vasilije Petrovic Njegosh. He was ruler of dynasty from 1740, during his time come proclamation of independence from Turkish Empire and bring more close ties with Russian. Many achievement made, from writing first history of Montenegro (1754) to education and other.

Can You show me country with 300 yr of history - oh yes - but how much?

Face value is affordable, just 0.40 euro, and it is printed in printing sheets of 20 - which I suggest to obtain.

9-2009: Sport #II, Universiade 2009, Belgrade, Serbia, issued June 4, 2009

If You will not look closely at this stamp, You will not find about what is talking, even that logo and mascot of this sport evening is there! Probably You will think that it is talking about "Youth Day" maybe "Student Day" and if You are extreme, "Proletariat of whole world - Unite"! No - I'm not cynic - and I really like Montenegro (my ancestor come from there) - but, I like to say thrue straight to the face. Face value 0.50 euro, sheet of 8 + one tab, set with tab - prepare premium to pay.

For now it is all - let's pray that future issue will come more "better" and more focused to the topic.

Postage Due 2009:

Even that this issue are issued in 2009, but because I received it just today (13/III/2009), I will include it in this section, no detaile about date of issue, no FDC available, and no information from Montenegro Post. Just what I see from Invoice is statement: Common Issue 2008.

From this three stamp, I see that it didn't belong to one set - separate design, separate topic and first is for "Montenegro meeting EU", second for Postal hystory and third for Hystory in Montenegro - I think that this issue will stay unnoticed in philately, with zero hope to have any value in catalogues. Topic is good, Postal Car, Sand Watch, Ornament on Church - but it is small help to attract collectors. Total face value are 1.50 euro and it will be Your chance to obtain stamp from Montenegro for collection without thinking that You invested something.

2009 year start:

1-2009: "Art in Montenegro Through Centuries:

to celebrate 125 yr of Theathre in Nikshich (Niksic) town, really great achievemnt with long tradition from 1884 year. 1 stamp issue, 0.25 euro affordable face value, with one "newspaper" photo of building and ornament - where is here designer imagination, propffession and art? Starting year like this will result in all year like this - but it is not our (collectors) problem - I think that Post of Montenegro need one independent consultant - isn't?

2-2009: "1200 yr Tryphon the Martyr":

One nice hystory item for Montenegro and Venetian related merchant - relatively nice issue that can fit to archeology, religious, history toppic for collectors, set of 2 stamp, with face value of 1.00 euro (I think that Montenegro Post want to be prepared for EU prices whn and if they join EU).

3-2009 "Braille Letter":

yeah - important, and finally little bit improvement in design. One stamp in set, face value of 0.60 euro. FDC also in good style.

9-2008 till end of 2008:

Today is March 13, 2009 - and just now I received shipment from Montenegro Post!!!! I say, Hallelujah - which kind of service You will hardly believe! What to do - they made some reorganization in Podgorica (Titograd - previously know name for capital) and - how much I see and feel, it go to worst than previously. Why? From past period it was much faster delivery and handling of standing order, with less paperwork involved and payment condition was much better like today. When I received shipment this time, it is inside around 5-6 pages of report from this to other person, revisor and director, all signed controlled and approved for delivery of material worth some 200 euro - can You imagine it? Three or four person involved in every shipment delivered! O.K. let's alone this problem, and go to other - more dangerous - and it is not delivered quantities according delivery notification - terrible!!!!!!

Nu - let's continue with this 2008 year:

9-2008 "Jadran Sail Boat":

Issued on 16/VII/2008 - good topic, worth sail boat for Navy in Montenegro. This sail boat was built in Germany (H. C. Silken Zon) some 75 years ago, and have an great history for "bakartine" type. Mostly was used like school ship for young cadet by Italian, and after WWII it was docked in Venetian channel like some kind of bridge, from here it was returned back to Montenegro, repaired, and as today, again serve like school and training ship.
Value - face 0.50 euro for single, but sheet of 20 will take some premium - dealer? Be happy if You obtained it for face + 100%!!!

10-2008 "Water Polo European Championship":
issued on 15/IX/2008 - to celebrate gold medal in this championship held in Malaga/Spain, poor design, that is what I can say! Face value again 0.50 euro (by way, minimum salary for ordinary worker in Montenegro is around 300.00 euro - and if I need to pay half euro for mail - I will think twice! What You think - how much used material will be on market from this country population of some 600 000-700 000 citizens!).

11-2008 "Art in Montenegro through centuries":

issued on 17/IX/2008 - to show peoples one rare and nice mosaic from Risan/Boka Kotorska/Montenegro - but author and designer failed in all aspect!!! Existed much better way to show on postage stamp this beautiful mosaic in one most clean coast town in Montenegro - sorry for it! Face value for set of 2 is 0.75 euro.

12-2008 : "Stamp Day":

issued on 2/X/2008 - one value of 0.60 euro, picture of post office(?) or better say just one home, made from postage stamps (really postage stamps with face value on it and Montenegro Post logo) - one continued, unrealistic, unnecessary vasting of paper and time - this issue will not have any impact on world philately except this topic (stamp on stamp) that probably will collector buy - even that picture on stamp are stamp never issued by Montenegro Post.

13-2008: "Alfred Nobel":

issued 21/X/2008 - one stamp issue, face value 0.50 euro, wish to scream!!! This is my short description of/for design of this stamp!

14-2008: "100 yr of First Railway in Montenegro":

issued on 31/X/2008, for important occasion in Montenegro, that start to 2/XI/1908 - first railroad opened and connected Bar and Virpazar town (village) at time, just 43 km long, but for this time it was one really great work done - most countries in Europe at time didn't have even paved road and not talk about rail transport - how clever and great is this people!?

1.50 euro face value - lot, but affordable. Problem will be to buy all combination in this issue, and it is set, sheet of 5, booklet with cover and FDC - prepare for dealer double prices with premium for booklet!

15-2008 "Joy of Europe":

issued on 20/XI/2008 - two value in set, face value 0.65 euro, nice picture on stamp and it is all what I can say.

16-2008 "60 yr Human Right declaration":

some combination with national flag and UN logo on stamp, again 0.50 euro face value, again "standard" design and again no comment!!!!

With this we will close 2008 year, even that I didn't see usually issued topic like Christmas and New Year - possible they didn't made it?

2008 year:

Almost 9 month pass till I received first shipment from Post of Montenegro Phila Services, terrible degradation in service! I don't know why, and Montenegro Post also! Simple reason stated that they are overloaded with orders and it was reason why are late delivery of new issue. I personally think, that they simply don't care about "small order" client (up to 20 set per standing order). In the end I receive it and will say just simple comment - I start to scream!!!!!

First let's see what year programmed say: They planned 13 issue for this year, but from first issue it was broken promises! And design? Oj-vaj-voj! Nothing to say good - it is continuing with "full fat" color in use, and with second issue is "less than need" color in use, they go from far start to far end with color usage! Visible is glorify European Union, and some kind of self promotion.

Let's start with 1-2008 Stabilization and Association Agreement between Montenegro and EU.

Issued Feb 1 2008, with one "combination" (I think without good reason, except to grow revenue), of stamp issued. It is single 1 value stamp like set (0.60 e face) but here come surprise and You will find one booklet issued, that have two stamp in set (0.50+0.40 e face) what is reason for it I don't know, maybe to rise money and pay expenses for conference with EU. For collectors, nothing left, just if someone collect EU logo on stamp! By my opinion, don't deserve attention this issue.

2-20008 Flora: Someone will say - great, but see this image! If flora and flowers on this earth is like that - it must be something is wrong with minerals - poor picture, all in yellow/creme color, four stamp in set. Issued on Feb 20 2008, 0.25+0.40+0.50+0.60 euro face value, not so cheap for this set, issued in sheet of 5 + 1 tab on middle, and quantity printed is satisfactory - just 28 000 set available, two FDC in set that have just 1000 pcs printed.

3-2008 Beijing Olympic I really don't want to comment! Even less advanced countries have better design than Montenegro! Issued on march 20 2008, 2 stamp in set (0.60+0.90 e face value) map and coat of arms in design, yellow/orange color, and it is all what i can say. Quantity go up (because topic and judgement that it will be sold - they think), there are 100 000 set printed, and FDC is big 3 000 pcs. Let's wait and see what and where will catalogue placed this set in future.

4-2008 EUROPE issue for this year are letter writing, and I can comment just simple - good pupils home work done!!!! It is far away from say Serbian issue - why they don't use other designer, more professional, more with "vision" what is worth to put on postage stamp???

Issued on April 2 2008, 0.90 and 0.60 e face value, 60 000 sets printed and 2 000 pcs of FDC. One block printed with two stamp on it (also 0.60 and 0.90 face value) block have 4 000 pcs printed.

5-2008 go to Marko Miljanov Popovic (my parents family name) - who was writer, Duke and field marshal. Possibly worth to issue this stamp, but from collectors point - nothing special. One stamp in issue (0.60 e face value) 28 000 stamp printed, FDC in 2 000 pcs printed.

6-2008 150 yr of Grahovac battle that happen on April 30 1858 (my birthday!!!! months and day), it is very important for Montenegrin history, because with this victory over Turkish occupation army - is established borders of Montenegro Kingdom. Low face value, just 0.25 euro and printed in 28 000 copy, FDC in 2 000 pcs.

7-2008 Tourism - what's for this issue? Why to show some kind of nature reserve that will never attract even student tourist? All what is presented here are four places, four untouched places in Montenegro, showing beach, village, old city and some kind of lake! But if it is "best" attraction that are shown on CM and stamps - I will prefer to go to Serbia!

Again they made "game" with collectors, and issued it in set format, booklet, format - different arrangement for same stamp plus that booklet are sold without and with cover. May 21 2008, 0.25+0.40+0.50 and 0.60 euro face value, 28 000 printed set, and FDC is 2x 1 000 pcs.

8-2008 Chess Olympic in Dresden - one stamp in set, nicely design, 0.60 euro face value, probably will be shortage on market because chess is very popular for collectors. Issued on June 18 2008 with standard 28 000 stamp printed, FDC have it on just 1 000 pcs.

#26-2007, go for "Joy of Europe", like usually, every year (tradition from Yugoslavia), it is issued on Nov 2, 2007, with one stamp face value 0.50 euro, design one circle of dancing children, inside circle one dove, nothing special for this time, just full blue and yellow color - I don't think that it is worth to do it. Dealer are asking full 1.00 euro for single, 1.50 euro for FDC and sheet of 20 with inscribed border will need 10.00 euro.

#27-2007, "100 year of region telephone traffic", issued Nov 9, 2007 - Funny, but if telephone line and traffic is like this one pictured on stamp, it will be better to travel there with Your own phone in pocket!!!

Not just that "message" from this stamp is confused, but I simply didn't understand it! Some kind of map and phone part on this map - contradictory colors, yeah - for someone who collect just to have stamp is good.

Face value is 0.75 euro, that mean that dealer will take 1.50 euro for set of two, and if You want FDC - prepare next 2.50 euro, set with tab on middle will ask 3.00 euro, and sheetlet of 8 + tab will ask full 12.00 euro.

#28-2007,

issued Dec 5, 2007, named "New Year postage stamp" - I must to say - no nice, but I must to say: If they want to spoil New Year tradition - they made it! What is that design? Look on stamp (0.25 and 0.25 euro) something black, or dark blue on pieces of paper attached to cover, other two value (0.50 and 1.00 euro face) is little bit better. From "first sight" I think that they issued stamp for 'super nova" cosmos, or something from it - but no - it is for New Year celebration!! Terrible - no comment!!!

Set of 4 value will take from You 4.00 euro (dealer prices) and set of two FDC will be for 6.00 euro. I don't think that this issue will ever recover own face value in any of world catalogue.

In the end for this year (2007), I wish to show You new "R" label, that Montenegro start recently to use. If You scroll to beginning of this blog pages, You will find one used cover with "R" sticker, that bear "Yugoslavia" named, which was used from beginning of period, and now I see it first time that finally they designed new logo with Montenegro name on it.

Yes - with this, we "closed" 2007 year, and what I can say just that - let's hope, that someone in there will start to thing about postage stamp like art - not like job that need to be done.

#25 reprint issue of #1:

here it come great expenses for simple collector like me!!!! This is second in row, and if I didn't made explanation for this reprints in previous blog page, I will do it now (or again - I almost don't remember).

First issue are printed in set of 4 (0.25, 0.40, 0.50 and 0.60 euros). Printed on Dec 15, 2005, on this issue, near logo of Post Montenegro didn't exist name "Post of Montenegro". Two reprints are issue, but not for complete set, first reprint have just 2 value, 0.25 and 0.40 euros, printed in sheet of 20, with year 2005 inscribed in black color, and second reprint in 3 value 0.25, 0.40 and 0.60 euros, printed in sheet of 50, with year 2006 on bottom middle.

Existed also other minor difference, like color (really invisible but different from first print), and sheet arrangement - I think that it will be hard for common collectors to keep collection in perfect full state, just because of this kind of difference.

On scan You see this second reprint, sheet of 50 (on picture you see just folded sheet, it is too large to fit on scan), and cost of full sheet of 50 (3 value) are GREAT fully prepare for dealer 130.00 euros.

#24 come to navigation (Navy Ship):

I really don't understand why they named it "Navigation" because on design we don't see nothing that can suggest this topic, except that ships need to be navigated, but all things on this planet have same need?!

Issued on August 1, 2007, single stamp face value 0.60 euros, but dealer are keeping it still at 2x face value, if You collect ships - be sure to obtain it even if You will need to pay 1.20 euros for this single.

Design is correct, little bit too much of "fog" used, but it is correct if we take in account that "navigation" is in topic. What is nice for this issue - is printing sheet of 8 + 1 tab - and this tab have an lighthouse on it - Hmmmmmmm - too much for collectors?

No - we need to ad also two kind of CM - what was need for it I don't know, one in blue color (sunrising?) and second in brown/gold color (sunset?) - not something that I like, it just keep more expenses for collectors - but, be fair - who care for collectors?

Prices for sheet of 8+tab go far as 9.60 euros, and CM can reach (2 pcs) 4.40 euros, FDC will cost You just 2.20 euros.

#23 come to celebrate Peter Lubarda artist, 100 year:

issued on July 27, 2007, with one value stamp, face value of 0.40 euros, and as today, dealer still keep it on double priced 0.80 e, I think that with time it will come down, but no possibility that will be very cheap.

Design is absolutely WRONG, color choice and combination of portrait and picture/drawing, go wrong. Not visible text, hardly to understand great work of this person - what to do!

FDC is selling for 1.80 euros, sheet of 20 stamp will cost You 16.00 euros, and MC just 1.80 euros.

# 16, 17, 18, 19, 20, 21 and 22:

Number 16 I will reserve photo for first reprint issue, that is issued from set Flag and map, first ever issued, but because I didn't received proper material from Montenegro Post, I'm affraid to publish photo because possible error in photo.

#17 is for Introduction of Gregorian Calendar, one really good design, especially on sheet of 8+1 tab, where tab design will satisfy many collectors.

Issued on Jan 4, 2007, face value of 0.50 euro, but for sheet of 8+1 prepare much more!!!!

#18 is for Protected Animal - Pelican, that we know this topic from begining, when Montenegro issued postage due with same topic to protect Pelicans in Montenegro.

This issue is printed on Jan 7, 2007, with face value of 0.50 euro, and for sheet of 8+1 You will need near 30% more!

#19 go to common EUROPA issue, that is this year for Scout, again postal clerk in Montenegro made one "ops" in order, and didn't delivered me FDC for this issue, but on scan You will see in set format, sheet of 8+1, block and block from booklet. Issued on April 20, 2007. Finally FDC for set, s/s and block is here! Prices for all three FDC cover is now for 22.00 US$.

Face value for two set is 1.50 euro but dealer will rise it for minimum of 3.00 euro, and also for booklet and block You will need to prepare 120 and 150% from face value.

#20 go for Fauna issue, that many collector will need to include in collection. Issued on May 11, 2007, nice design and not so expensive, just 0.75 euro face value - but again dealer will made it two time more!

#21 is issued on Jun 21, 2007 to celebrate 350 year of Montenegrin people in Istria. 1 value, face priced to 0.60 euro, and dealer will rise it to 20% more.

#22 is for Regular Postage Issue in 2007, and have 4 stamp with different topic, nature, old printing, maps, fingerprint - can be classified really like regular.

All 4 have 1.75 euro face value, and dealer will not have much more than 5-10% over face value.

#15 is for "Cultural Heritage"

Here we come accross "archeology" on Montenegrian soil, where is design on stamp taken from Duklja (Doclea) archeological site, with artifact shown on stamp, with image of site.

Design alone is not for my 'taste' and most of collector for this topic (Archeology) will be "low" satisfacted, because artist used more his own vision and less fact artifact - but, it can be classified like "satisfactory".

Issued on 3 November 2006, artist J. Simonovic, same printer and same tehnique like before.

Quantity for 2 value is 2x30 000 pieces, printing sheet of 20 numbered.

Dealer is selling set (face is 2x0.25 euro) 0.75 euro, FDC go for 2.00 euro, and block of four/corner for 4.00 euro.

# 14 for "Joy of Europe"

where some nice use of Leonardo's "Madonna" by author Nikola Markovic.

Original print is for promotion of 500 yr of "Madonna" and artis say that "...Mona Lisa was also child like all of us".

Issued on 10 October 2006, again printed in sarajevo, by same standard and paper, perforation like other issue, in same printing sheet of 20 numbered. face value 0.50 euro, little bit higher than previous, but still not expensive.

Dealer is selling it for 0.75 euro, FDC for 2.00 euro, and block of four is 4.00 euro.

Quantity is 40 000 pieces, 10 000 more than usually, maybe Montenegro Post is betting on topic and think that it will sold more because of Mona Lisa.

FDC - I must say again, author of this FDC have lot of color for disposal - if You want to postally use this FDC, You will need marker to writte address!!!!

Cancel on FDC - Hmmmmm - not that You will recognized Mona Lisa at first glance.

# 13 go to topic "Post Day" (Dan Poste),

but fit to "stamp on stamp" collectors topic.

Simple, nice balanced color used, and design - so-so I think!

Cancel on FDC fell not so correctly (intentionally?), and one part of it is printed over face value on stamp, that (if stamp will be soaked from FDC) can confuse philatelist like overprinted/denominated issue.

Still, quantity is same like before, 30 000, in same printing sheet of 20. face value of 0.25 eur, and dealer is selling it for 0.40 euro. FDC is selling by same dealer for 1.50 euro, and block of four/corner is for 2.00 euro.

#12 is "Nature Protection" - Tara Mountain:

issued on 15 November 2006, design by J. Simonovic, printed in Sarajevo on 105 gr paper, perforated like usually 13 1/4, in printing sheet of 20 numbered.

1 value, face 0.40 euro, and selling by dealer for 0.60 euro/stamp, if someone need block of four corner with number need to prepare 3.20 euro, and for FDC will need 1.65 euro.

Quantity is same in "frame" of 30 000 pieces, with message on FDC really "in center"!!!

Eyeglass in green leaf with text "factor 100%" - think that many people know about what is talking.

Montenegro # 11:

"200 yr of Ivo Visin" - Seamen of Boka Kotorska.

It is one nice design for FDC, even that printing quality is not so perfect, and effect to connect ship picture with instrument is losed.

Stamp design by J. Simonovic, printed in Sarajevo, perforated 13 1/4, printing sheet of 20 numbered, quantity is now in "frame" with population, just 30 000 pieces, that will keep prices stable.

Stamp design is well balanced with topic that will fit more than one topic collectors, here we have "ship", "personalities".

face value is 0.40 euro and dealer is selling it by 0.60 euro. FDC is 0.90/1.65 euro and if someone want corner block of 4, he will need to pay 3.20 euro per corner block of four.