Austria – Scott # 71

Description

Austria Scott #71 — MNH — 2 Heller Emperor Franz Josef I (1901–1904 Issue)
Issued between 1901 and 1904, this 2 heller definitive stamp features a finely engraved profile of Emperor Franz Josef I, who reigned over the Austro-Hungarian Empire for nearly seven decades. The portrait is surrounded by an ornate oval frame with classical flourishes and denomination tablets in each corner, characteristic of Austria’s early 20th-century imperial issues.

Printed in a muted gray-violet shade, the stamp reflects the precise line engraving and refined typography typical of the Austrian State Printing House during this era. These low-denomination Franz Josef issues saw extensive postal use, making well-preserved Mint Never Hinged examples notably scarcer and especially desirable to specialists.

This example is MNH, with full original gum, crisp detail, and excellent color. The perforations are clean and intact, enhancing the visual appeal of this classic imperial portrait.

An excellent addition for collectors of:

• Austro-Hungarian Empire

• Classic European definitives

• Franz Josef portrait issues

• Early 20th-century engraved stamps