Athens (Local Post) Stamps
Athens, as the capital of Greece, is situated in Southeastern Europe on the Balkan Peninsula. Its postal history is intrinsically linked to the modern Greek state, which gained independence in the 19th century and subsequently joined the Universal Postal Union in 1874.
- Issued stamps
- 1861–1861
- Region
- Europe, Southern Europe
- Currency
- GRD
- Languages
- Greek
- Issuer type
- Local postal administration
- Part of
- Greece
History and background
Stamps issued by Athens, often reflecting national themes, primarily feature the Greek language, though early issues sometimes included French or Italian due to international postal arrangements. The city's postal administration transitioned through various political regimes, including the monarchy and subsequent republics, which are reflected in the chronology of definitive and commemorative issues.
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.
- ΑΘΗΝΑΙ
- ΕΛΛ. ΤΑΧΥΔΡ.
How to identify them
- Look for the distinct head of Hermes design, often in an oval frame.
- The stamps are typically imperforate and printed in various colors (e.g., blue, brown, green).
- Check for the inscription 'ΑΘΗΝΑΙ' (Athens) or 'ΕΛΛ. ΤΑΧΥΔΡ.' (Greek Post) on some varieties, though the 1861 local issue is distinct.
Popular series
-
First Local Issue
1861
The inaugural and sole local issue for Athens, featuring the head of Hermes.
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
- €50–€200
- Scarce stamps
- €500–€5,000+
Stamps from Athens' local post are generally scarce due to their limited issue and short period of use. Values vary significantly based on condition, cancellations, and specific varieties. Unused examples are particularly rare and command higher prices.
Catalogs. Athens (Local Post) 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 Athens (Local Post) stamps
Athens (Local Post) stamps refer to a specific, short-lived local postal service that operated in Athens, Greece, in 1861. These stamps were issued prior to the widespread use of national Greek stamps and were intended for local mail delivery within the city.
Yes, Athens (Local Post) stamps are generally considered valuable due to their rarity and historical significance. Common examples can fetch €50 - €200, while rare varieties, especially unused or with specific cancellations, can be worth €500 - €5,000 or more. Their value is highly dependent on condition and authenticity.
Athens (Local Post) stamps are identifiable by their unique design, typically featuring the head of Hermes. They were imperforate and issued in different colors. The Stamp Identifier app can suggest the issue from a photo; confirm the catalog number, and ask an expert about anything valuable.
Athens (Local Post) stamps are listed in major international philatelic catalogs, including Scott (often under Greece, Local Posts), Michel, and Stanley Gibbons. These catalogs provide detailed information on varieties, values, and historical context.
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