Argyrokastron Gjirokaster Stamps
Argyrokastron Gjirokaster, located in the southern Balkans of Europe, is historically associated with the region of Epirus, which straddles modern-day Greece and Albania. While Gjirokastër itself is now a major city in Albania, its postal history reflects periods under Ottoman administration followed by the establishment of the independent Albanian state.
- Issued stamps
- 1914–1914
- Region
- Europe, Southern Europe
- Currency
- FRF
- Languages
- Albanian, Greek, French, Italian
- Issuer type
- Occupation postal administration
- Part of
- Albania
History and background
Stamps issued from this region would primarily feature the Albanian language, often alongside French or Italian due to early international postal connections. The administrative history of the area has seen significant shifts, impacting the issuing authority and the denominations displayed on its postal stationery.
Further reading: Wikipedia
Inscriptions to look for
Words printed on the stamp that point to this issuer. Search any of them in the issuer directory.
- ARGYROKASTRON
- ΓΥΡΟΚΑΣΤΡΟ
How to identify them
- Look for overprints 'ARGYROKASTRON' (Latin script) or 'ΓΥΡΟΚΑΣΤΡΟ' (Greek script) on stamps of Albania or the Ottoman Empire.
- Pay close attention to the font, size, and color of the overprint, as well as any surcharges, as these are crucial for distinguishing genuine issues from forgeries.
- Examine the base stamp for its original country of issue and denomination, as these form the foundation of the provisional issue.
Popular series
-
Provisional Issues
1914
Stamps overprinted with 'ARGYROKASTRON' or 'ΓΥΡΟΚΑΣΤΡΟ' (Gjirokastër in Greek) on Albanian or Turkish stamps, often with surcharges.
-
Local Surcharges
1914
Various surcharges applied locally to existing stamps to meet postal needs during periods of administrative change.
Value overview
Typical ranges as orientation, not prices for a particular stamp. Condition, variety and demand decide the value of your copy; for current asking prices, check listings or the app.
- Common stamps
- €5–€50
- Scarce stamps
- €100–€1000+
Value highly dependent on the base stamp, the specific overprint (type, color, position), and condition. Forgeries and unofficial overprints are common, requiring expert authentication.
Catalogs. Argyrokastron Gjirokaster stamps are listed in the major world catalogs: Scott, Michel and Stanley Gibbons. Catalog numbers and groupings differ between them; the Stamp Identifier app shows the numbers it can find for your stamp.
Questions about Argyrokastron Gjirokaster stamps
Argyrokastron Gjirokaster stamps are provisional postal issues from the city of Gjirokastër (historically known as Argyrokastron) in Albania, primarily issued in 1914 during a period of administrative flux following the collapse of the Ottoman Empire and the establishment of independent Albania. These stamps typically feature overprints on existing Albanian or Ottoman stamps.
Yes, many Argyrokastron Gjirokaster stamps can be quite valuable, especially rare varieties, specific overprint types, and those in fine condition. Their value is significantly influenced by the authenticity of the overprint, the base stamp used, and the overall rarity of the specific issue. Prices can range from a few euros for common types to well over a thousand euros for rare, authenticated examples.
To identify Argyrokastron Gjirokaster stamps, look for overprints in Latin script ('ARGYROKASTRON') or Greek script ('ΓΥΡΟΚΑΣΤΡΟ') on stamps originally issued by Albania or the Ottoman Empire. Careful examination of the overprint's details (font, color, position) and comparison with philatelic catalogs are essential. The Stamp Identifier app can suggest the issue from a photo; confirm the catalog number, and ask an expert about anything valuable.
Argyrokastron Gjirokaster stamps are listed in major international philatelic catalogs such as Scott, Michel, and Stanley Gibbons. These catalogs provide detailed listings, including varieties of overprints, surcharges, and estimated values, which are crucial for collectors.
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