3-2016 Marine Tragedy:

3-2016 "Marine Tragedy":

This single stamp, issued on Feb. 27, 2016, with low face value of 0.30 euro, come little bit as surprise, because it remind us of WWI Marine tragedy, that happened near Albania coast, and caused by Allied forces, so some kind of "collateral damage" that cost too much human life.

Originally named as "100th Anniversary of the Medua Tragedy", showing us Brindisi (Italian steamer) ship, informing us, that board was 540 volunteers, from which just 145 are rescued. reason was Allied forces mine, that struck this ship.

Design come as little bit improvement, as here we have clear drawing and visibility of ship so, no need for lens to see it, so we can say, that stamp will be nice addition in every "Marine", "Ships" collection, more than that, it can be included in WWI specialized collection, so, demand will be in rise, as I think.

Face value of 0.30 euro per one sample, is affordable, but small sheet of 20 will cost You between 18 to 20.00 euros, and FDC (which are usually made in very low quantity), will be hard to find around as I see, no one offered it on web auctions.

Montenegro - Crna Gora - next in this year:

5-2013 EUROPA - Postal Vehicles:

This single stamp, of really high face value (for Montenegro standard), 0.95 euro for single stamp!

What to say!? Just - bad as can be! What is that "artist expression" of  "splashed color" on FDC and on stamp design alone! I understand art as basic, and expression as my graphic design education that I have, but when we talk about design of postage stamp, we can not simply made one "avantgarde" design and what ordinary people and collectors will understand - it is not artist problem!

I personally think, that artist wish to "splash color" on EUROPA (in indirect way of expression), what other reason can be to made such "naive" work!

As is - is, single stamp, on market April 19, 2013, worth to buy? You decide!

6-2013 "125 year of Property Code":

Again one unnecessary issue! It is nice to celebrate 125 year of something, I don't say no, but to celebrate some "General Property Code" is very strange by my opinion!

There is lot of other "happening" that make much bigger mark on Montenegro, and this "Property Code" - is something that can be on margin of history, not forgotten, but also not so big significance that deserve postage stamp!

Single stamp, come on market on May 10, 2013, low face value of 0.30 euro, that will hardly go up with catalog value any time soon!

7-2013 "Tourism":

To cry? No, not worth it! See what they made! One set of two green stamp! With picture of "hiking" and "Biking" - I really wish to see who will go hiking on Montenegro mountain! This who will do it will be called avanturist and not tourist! All around is in green color, (US$ in mind?), and worst of all, it come out in booklet format too! Booklet? All but not booklet - because cover of same are two time size of stamp that need to be inside cover, properly attached on cover - we don't have it all!

Now, You will need in collection two stamp like set + booklet, that will cost You by face value of 1.40 euro, and printing sheet of 20 that 99% of collectors will avoid!

Set come on market on May 14, 2013 - nothing to say "great"!

8-2013 "Olive Tree":

Issue come on market at may 23, 2013, with still "green color" in use, all of this are in green color! Understand that olive come in this color, but when I look on stamp, hardly that I can understand about what is here talking! Too confusing design, FDC as simple as can be!

Low face value of 0.30 euro, can be single satisfaction for collectors!

9-2013 "Sport":

You know, at first glance, I say "Fine - Finally" but, I calm down quickly! Issue come on market at June 7, 2013 with two stamp in set, where I see big name EUROBASKET! We know that there in Slovenia is happening Championship in Basketball, and nice that Montenegro issue stamp to celebrate this, but to mix one issue with second stamp in, and topic of second stamp is Football Club of Lovcen - hey guy, what is that now? 

design is more or less right, but - don't mix it together, we all know what that mean for topical collectors!

10-2013 "Edict of Milan":

Here it come one very-very important happening in history of all SLAVENS on the Balkan, and Montenegro come to with one single stamp celebrating this history! Single stamp come on market at June 26, 2013 - again low face value of 0.30 euro, with very simple, but sympathetic design. Probably not so attractive like Serbian issue for this 1700 years of Edict of Milan (where is on year 313 allowed to Christian to freely preach religion), but still nice! 

11-2013 "Ship - Seamanship":

When we made stamp with topic of "Seamanship" or "Ship", we want at first sight to see "Ship" on stamp, but Post of Montenegro didn't think this way! They made one stamp, that can be included in "Persons on Stamp" topic and not in this "Navigation" or "Ship" topic!

Here we have one statue of person, and on background of design we have navigation instrument and book of captain - what is that! If not FDC design, where we can clearly understand that this issue have "Navy" connection (ship on it), we will be in very dire situation to miss this issue in collection!

Nothing more I can say! Issue come on market at June 28, 2013 with low face value of 0.30 euro.

2011 year, so promising that I was really in good mood and hope that finally, something in Montenegro post will change. But, I was wrong!

It start with simple no-response to my e-mail from Montenegro Post, and come till half year didn't pass. Somewhere in begging July, I received one mail where is talking about my order which will be prepared upon payment......!

O.K. I pay (significant balance) and all was in quiet next full months. After next months when I start to send very nervous mails regarding my payment and time spend till delivery occur - I was surprised with info that my shipment was delivered by EMS service which charge me next 35.00 euro for shipment from Montenegro to Israel!

That was great! Normally, I search for EMS web, and find that I have two notice of shipment, and that I have just week to pick-up shipment, cost of storage was somewhere 3.00 $ per day, cost for custom clearance was again some 25.00 $ and that all can be done by Forwarding Agency that will charge me next 45.00 $ before tax.

That was more than I can swallow - I personally have job to control incoming containers to our warehouse company, and it is all Bonded warehouse - that well I know what is permitted and what not - than come EMS with some kind of "pushing" and "pressing" to use Forwarding Agency for service - no way!

In the end - I have no choice, just to made all alone, and pay some good money for one un professional service from both - Post of Montenegro and EMS service!

Shipment in the end come to me opened, with damaged stamp by paperclip, razor was used to open envelope, stamp pressed, folded - one very bad experience.

Because all that - try to avoid EMS service if You can!

Lets start with:

1-2011, Personalities - Artist:

This issue come out on market on Jan 27, 2011 - celebrating Jovan Ivanisevic and Vojo Stanic, hardly that You know them - even I don't know about who is talking, but just to mention that one is composer and second is sculptors.

I don't see nothing to say good about design, and that is main reason because author still use "heavy color" in design, with very little care about "vision" of people that will lok on stamp!

Face value go 0.70 e per set - be prepared to pay 100% up from dealer.

2-2011 Painter/Personalities: Tripo Kokolja:

Second issue with same topic, and same unknown person for us! And again poor design missing "soul" - what to say is just minimal, issued on Feb 22, 2011 - almost impossible to recognize person on stamp! But it will cost You 0.60 e per issue - for sure!

3-2011 - Personalities next one in row: Vuk Vrcevic:

To celebrate persons I understand, but to celebrate one collector of lyrical folk poems is for me not so - but, every country have own mentality and priority. Face value is just 0.30 euro, and design "like usually"! Issued on Feb 26, 2011.

4-2011 - "Fauna":

Let say that set importance are high, and that it is right to spend money to help with nature protection in Montenegro - but why they can not made some better idea when design is in question!!!

Here we have one set of 4 stamp, in total 1.90 euro face value, not high for this topic at all.

This set is issued on March 17, 2011 with picture of newt, shell, Pelican and Cormorant - I can not give them high star quality - it is far away from it.

5-2011 "EUROPE":

You probably know that this year EUROPE topic was "Forest", and some countries made very "clever" design regarding forest and problem of de forestation - Montenegro is not different from it, and nice effort is made - but - failed!

What this picture mean? EU Reich map designed like one leaf damaged by some insect bite? Or EU letters in black frame (like for "late" president) - what exactly designer wanted to tell us?

On mini sheet it is even worsened by color - and I have an feeling that it is somewhere in very dark distance - God, this is something special!

For this set of two stamp prepare 3.60 euro on market and next 3.60 e for m-s, and if You will need all printing sheet it will cost You more than 32.00 euro. Stamp come out on April 21, 2011.

6-2011 "Tourism":

They made it every year - with nice panoramic view of Montenegro hill around country, and they made it again with "dark sky over Montenegro nature"! One set that will take lot of money from You!

This nice set have 4 stamp, but in three different format - it can be in booklet format, simple set or in printing sheet - all three option will take from You, on market, around 100.00 euro in cash!

If You don't like to spend lot of money, but still wanted three different option of same set - try to obtain set from printing sheet with salvage (that are in four different color) plus booklet (that have white salvage) - and be prepared to pay extra if You want also booklet cover (that is over sized, and don't have nothing common with tourism).

Issue come out on May 12, 2011 that is perfect time for Tourist and propaganda time for advertise it.

7-2011 "Environmental Protection":

Even that in Serbian is named Nature Protection (Zastita Prirode), intention is to inform us about problem that we have with our surrounding and nature.

Issue come out on May 21, 2011 with two stamp in set, nice design - yes, finally I can say one nice design, of our "smile globe" and EKG saying that we are still alive!

Price are also affordable, some 1.40 euro on market - think it is worth to have it!

8-2011 "Joint issue with Russia":

In the end, one more or less acceptable issue and design! On stamp we see one Karan cathedral in St. Peterburg and second stamp is with former Russian Embassy Building in Cetinje (?).

To be fair - I really like this design and architecture alone from this period, it is very-very advanced and "classic" at the same time. Issue come out on May 26, 2011 - two stamp in set, one nice edition of printing sheet - and cost also nice - 2.40 euro, on market, for just one set - and if You want full printing sheet - prepare 8.00 euro.

9-2011 "Games of Small EU Reich States":

You know, I remember many sport show around, Winter Game, Summer Olympic, Mediterrean Game, Adriatic game, ParaLympic Game end probably some Asian, African, Latine Olympic games - but, I never hear for SMALL EUROPEANS STATES sport organization or sport event! In the end, it is fine if EU Reich made some new evening, but why is Montenegro there? If my memory is doing well, Montenegro still is on BALKAN soil, and question is if EU Reich will exist enough long when Montenegro will have chance to join EU Reich.

Even that design is nice for any sport evening, this is two stamp in set, one with tennis ball and second with volleyball, are nice - topic /theme is difficult, but design is nice - worth to obtain in general sport topic in any way - and You will pay just minimum, 2.40 euro per set on Belgrade market.

10-2011 "Belveder Events":

One stamp set, FDC so poorly designed, so ugly color choice (red/bordo - blood color), hardly that You will recognized about what is here talking! Thanks to prices, minimal of 0.60 euro on market - but to be fair - it is not worth!

I like explanation on back of FDC - that it was one demonstration organized by left oriented Montenegro federalists, in Kingdom of Yugoslavia! Even then, social injustice and poorly managed state was problem! Funny that all this people, made so great sacrifice and just for one - that after 70plus years - people of Montenegro come to the same situation!!!! Issue come out on Jun 25, 2011.

11-2011 "Navigation":

Serbian "Pomorstvo" is translated to Navigation - little bit strange for me, if I think that navigation is something else. probably I'm wrong! No matter - here we go with one

very-very important evening and tragedy, with very, really very important time for people of Montenegro, Serbia and Yugoslavia!!!! And with SO BAD AMATEUR DESIGN that made me out of my mind! what is that BLACK "kish-kush" on this stamp? You are supposed to celebrate one tragedy, with ship named BRINDISI, in one heroic manner, and not with one-way hand move with paint brush! This ship (Brindisi), built in 1895 year, Livorno, Italy. Ship have very bad luck, and in the end of life, it sink together with 395 heroes soldiers who was near Albania coast. Probably (some theory) it was not accident, but sadly - people go down in one great tragedy! In this issue, again politic have "fingers" - because all story about this happening is talking about Montenegrian heroes, Montenegrian soldiers - there on ship, they was Yugoslavian if I don't made mistake - and they there NEVER separated from Serbian, Croatian and all other people that lived under Yugoslavia.

I'm very sorry, to see one nice topic (ships), one important history (war tragedy), designed in this poor way. Issue come out on July 7, 2011, single stamp, with minimal face value of 0.40 euro, probably You can find it on exchange base.

It was long time from my last post that I didn't write - not my fault, but probably, I'm not so big client of Montenegro Post, and receive new issue just once per year - what to do, even that last shipment cost me not so small amount.

Let's start to see what we have in:

3-2010 - "Personalities", Danilo Kis (1935-1989):

Writer, born in Subotica (Serbia, Voivodina), some will include this issue to Judaica topic, because father of person was Jew (deported to Auschwitz), but this can be problematic, because mother of Danilo was Montenegrian. However - he was one of best in his profession and deserve to be on stamp. Issue have date of Feb 22, 2010, with face value of 0.50 e, not small amount to spend for one stamp.

4-2010 "Flora":

Issued on March 18, 2010 - set of four stamp, face value of 2.35 e, under name "Flora - Melliferous Plant" - probably Post of Montenegro think that they will made one "big deal" to issue set with high face value, in printing sheet of 5+gutter, FDC and CM - it will be too much for simple collectors to pay - even that

design is not bad, but hardly to say that it is attractive. For instance - gutter show us flower and seed of each plant - but it is in color that actually "hide" fine detaile of so beautiful plant and drawing. sadly - this design and color use are applied to all four stamp. Each stamp present plant as follow: 0.25 e (Slvia Officialis L.), 0.50 e (Satureja Subspicata Bartl.ex Vis), 0.60 e (Tilia Tomentosa Moench), and 1.00 e (Epilobium Angustifolium L.).

5-2010 "Europa", Children's Literature:

Issued on April 22, 2010. Set of 2 stamp, one mini sheet (2 stamp also), face value for full set and m/s is 3.00 e. Now because it is printed in sheet of 8 stamp with gutter on middle, collector will need to prepare nice amount of money to have one issue that don't deserve this money. Design is usually "face" of topic, and topic is children's book - according it - we have also children's drawing on stamp design. because my profession and because people that I know from Montenegro, I can say - that person who approved this design, probably receive one order to choice just this design - Montenegro have much-much better artist and better illustration to choice!

6-2010 :Religion", St. Vasilije of Ostrog:

Issued on May 12, 2010 - single stamp, face value 0.50 e. Important issue for history of one country. Celebrating 400 yr of birth Saint - not every country in this world have this occassion You will agree! Design is with some kind of hidden massage - where we have all space of FDC and CM printed in "blood red" and in right up corner - one "sun" on it is attached stamp of Saint - in the case that I will be observant - I will keep it in my room all the time! Stamp design alone is lets say "good".

7-2010 World Cup - South Africa:

Issued on Jun 11, 2010 - one single stamp, face value of 1.50 e, my comment - Funny issue design, simple - even very simple, I don't see reason why to made one and half euro face value - 0.25 e is more than deserve - but probably, because FIFA want more money, Montenegro Post didn't have other option to collect revenue and pay for usage of FIFA event logo.

8-2010 "Tourism":

It continue like every year, promotion of tourism in this small country, and like usually, we have set of 4 stamp, face value 2.35 e. Really one expensive set - not because 4 stamp only, but because it is printed in sheet of 5 with gutter in, and also in booklet format that is different from main sheet format - if You will like to have it in complete like will be mentioned in Michel catalog - You will need to have sheet of 5 set, and booklet pane and set alone included in collection - that will take You like 7 full set - if face value for set is 2.35 e x 7 = 16.45 e GREAT expense! Worth to have it? I think - hmmmmmmmmm - no!

9-2010 "Navigation - Ship":

Issued Jul 8, 2010. Thanks God, one nice issue that are made this year - probably will be winner for best stamp of the year in Montenegro. Also very affordable face value of 0.25 e - really nice from Montenegro Post! Issue are to celebrate "First Montenegrin long-cruise steamship under Montenegro flag". Ship named Jaroslav, arrived to Montenegro 1890 like an gift of the Russian Czar, but ship is built in America, delivered to Russia and from there to Montenegro - King/Prince of Montenegro used it like yacht. It was good time for rich - isn't?

10-2010 "Dynasty":

Don't ask me why they issued this stamp, probably to keep proud of nation on alert - but 650 year of one Dynasty is not something that can be put aside, many-many country on this planet don't have even 10% of this year in history - You will agree. Minimum face value of 0.25 e - that can be also included to Architecture topic because there is one castle, and also Archeology topic because on FDC is ruins of this castle. Issued on Jul 15, 2010 - single stamp in set.

11-2010 "Power Plant":

Issued on July 19, 2010 - to celebrate first power plant in Montenegro (from 1910), again - it is built (power plant) to serve Prince residence and street that surround this residence! I was thinking that it serve some hospital - but no - near same like today - isn't? Again minimal face value of 0.25 e - but designed like if someone want to hide it from person that will look at stamp - at first glance - You will not recognized about what is talking here! yellow, brown and black in use - on small paper will usually give You confused picture - long road to learn - sorry, not for my collection!

12-2010 "Kingdom revival":

If You don't know history and today situation in Montenegro, You will think that after 100 yr - there King come back! No - it is just revival of kingdom, that was long time ago in Montenegro - I will say - probably issue of stamp for this occasion is correct - just to show that Balkan have also King/s and Princes - nice - isn't? They even give it importance by face value, it is not minimum, but double - 0.50 e for single stamp - that i recommend to include in collection, because it is nice topic and keep history alive! Issued on August 28, 2010, stamp and FDC in option.

1-EMS label:

I must show it for reason that Montenegro Post start to use this service - and because it drive me crazy, but also give me satisfaction.

satisfaction is because it go relatively fast, and straight to Your door - not waiting for public company service to made job. But it also have it prices of too much for too little! My shipment arrived to me in the morning - it have an 0.459 kg weight, and cost me postage of 27.15 euros!!!! Now You know, why any dealer that pay for shipment, will not sell You new issue less than double of face value? I take my lens to see what is written on "EE" label - and discovered that postage pay is zero!!!!!!! God, I pay more than 27.00 e and You stick one label without face value like proof that I actually pay for it?! I again took "EMS Label" and read:

date received to post: 28 Sept. 2010

date delivered to me: 22 Oct. 2010

Total charges: 0.00

God! Something is wrong here! EMS is introduced instead of "EXPRESS" service worldwide - isn't? Someone discovered that this way, ordinary citizen will pay more for service that almost existed, but - because revenue need to be rise - we say to citizen - no EXPRESS any more - You want it to be delivered as soon as possible - pay it double prices and deliver by EMS. What I received? One months delivery time for 27.00 euros! Who is here of to explain me - why it is so great charge, why one months delivery time and why no proof that I pay for it (thanks God, I keep my Invoice).

Till next - just hope to better future. And by way - no news from Serbian Post about new issue and new issue delivery - they are still in blackout regarding "Jugomarka" distributor, they still don't have any new contractor to print and distribute new issue stamp, they still don't know who is responsible for this to blame - ANARCHY (but in Serbia is Democracy in power).

Sometime Democracy/Capitalism mean also CHAOS and ANARCHY!

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?