Description: This vertical postage due stamp from the Republic of Poland features a detailed line engraving of the traditional crowned Polish White Eagle (Orzeł Biały). The heraldic raptor is captured with its wings spread wide, standing proudly atop a circular shield design nestled amid large, decorative paper scrolls. The capitalized country name "POCZTA POLSKA" arches elegantly across the upper border. The lower section includes the prominent face value "25" repeated on both the lower-left and lower-right corners, sandwiching a central label banner that reads "DOPŁATA" (Postage Due). Fine text attributions along the absolute bottom margin credit designer "R. KLECZEWSKI," printer "PWPW," and master engraver "ST. ŁUKASZEWSKI." A visible black postal mark lines the lower-left corner from its functional postal history.
Circa: 1947-1951
Condition: Used - Hinged
Notes:
The word Dopłata translates directly to "surcharge" or "supplementary payment," indicating that this stamp was strictly reserved for penalty processing. Rather than being sold to the general public to mail a standard letter, postmasters affixed these stamps to short-paid incoming envelopes to collect penalty fees from the recipient upon delivery.