Aosta Stamps
Identification, history, popular series & stamp values
About Aosta (Italy) Stamps
Aosta, officially the Autonomous Region of Aosta Valley, is situated in northwestern Italy, bordering France and Switzerland in the Alps. As an integral part of Italy, its postal history is generally subsumed under that of the Kingdom of Italy and subsequent Italian Republic, though its autonomous status grants it unique administrative considerations. Stamps issued for this region predominantly feature Italian language, reflecting the official language, alongside French due to its historical and cultural ties. While Aosta has not typically issued separate territorial stamps, its philatelic record is deeply embedded within the broader narrative of Italian unification and regional autonomy within the nation-state.
Issuer Overview
- Region:
- Europe
- Subregion:
- Southern Europe
- Issuing period:
- 1944 – 1944
- Languages:
- Italian, French
- Currency:
- ITL
- Parent issuer:
- Italy
Stamp Catalogs
Aosta (Italy) stamps are listed in the following catalogs:
Popular Aosta (Italy) Stamp Series
Local Issues of 1944 (1944)
Stamps issued by the local authorities during the German occupation, primarily surcharges on Italian stamps.
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Aosta (Italy) Stamp Value Overview
Value Notes: The local issues of Aosta from 1944 are generally scarce due to their limited production and short period of use. Values vary significantly based on condition, specific surcharge, and cancellations. Unused examples often command higher prices.
How to Identify Aosta (Italy) Stamps
Key features to look for when identifying Aosta (Italy) stamps:
- 1 Look for 'AOSTA' or 'VALLE D'AOSTA' overprints or surcharges on Italian stamps, particularly those of the Kingdom of Italy or Italian Social Republic.
- 2 Examine the specific type of surcharge and the underlying stamp to determine authenticity and catalog reference.
- 3 Pay attention to cancellations, as genuine postal use can add to their philatelic interest.
Related Issuers & Topics
Explore stamps from related regions and historical entities:
Frequently Asked Questions
What are Aosta stamps?
Aosta stamps refer to local provisional issues produced in the Autonomous Region of Aosta Valley in northwestern Italy during 1944. These were primarily Italian stamps overprinted or surcharged by local authorities during the German occupation, serving postal needs when central Italian postal services were disrupted.
Are Aosta stamps valuable?
Yes, Aosta local issues from 1944 can be quite valuable, especially in good condition. Their scarcity, due to limited production and usage, makes them sought after by collectors of Italian philately and occupation issues. Values can range from tens to hundreds of Euros, with rare varieties or well-preserved examples fetching even higher prices.
How can I identify Aosta stamps?
Aosta stamps are identified by specific overprints or surcharges, typically bearing 'AOSTA' or 'VALLE D'AOSTA', applied to existing Italian stamps. To accurately identify them, compare your stamps with catalog listings, paying close attention to the base stamp, the text and style of the overprint, and any specific varieties. A stamp identifier app can also assist in initial recognition.
Which catalogs list Aosta stamps?
Aosta local issues are listed in major stamp catalogs such as Scott (under Italy, often in a section for local or occupation issues), Michel (Italy Spezial-Katalog), and Stanley Gibbons (Italy & Colonies). Specialized Italian catalogs will provide the most detailed listings and varieties.
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