Austrian Post Crete Stamps
Austrian Post Crete refers to the postal services operated by the Austro-Hungarian Empire within the administration of the island of Crete, located in the Eastern Mediterranean. Following the Congress of Berlin in 1878, Austria-Hungary established post offices in the Ottoman territory, operating under international agreements until the island's integration into Greece.
- Issued stamps
- 1903–1914
- Region
- Europe, Southern Europe
- Currency
- GRD
- Languages
- German, Greek
- Issuer type
- Colonial postal administration
- Part of
- Austria-Hungary
History and background
Stamps issued during this period primarily featured German text, reflecting the official language of the Austro-Hungarian administration, often denominated in Austrian Kreuzer or later in the transition period, Greek drachmas. This brief but distinct postal presence ended when Crete achieved autonomy and subsequently joined the Hellenic Kingdom.
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.
- CRETE
- KRETA
How to identify them
- Look for Austrian stamps (typically Franz Josef issues) bearing overprints such as 'CRETE' or 'KRETA'.
- Denominations may be in Austrian Kreuzer, French Centimes/Francs, or Greek Lepta/Drachmas.
- The stamps often feature German text due to the Austro-Hungarian administration.
Popular series
-
Austrian Stamps overprinted 'CRETE'
1903-1908
Austrian stamps (Franz Josef issues) overprinted 'CRETE' in German, often with new denominations in French currency (centimes/francs) or later Greek currency (lepta/drachmas).
-
Austrian Stamps overprinted 'KRETA'
1908-1914
Later issues of Austrian stamps overprinted 'KRETA' (German for Crete), reflecting the continued presence until the final integration into Greece.
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–€1,000+
Value depends heavily on the specific overprint, denomination, condition, and whether it's on cover. Early issues and errors are more valuable.
Catalogs. Austrian Post Crete 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 Austrian Post Crete stamps
Austrian Post Crete stamps were issued by the Austro-Hungarian Empire for use in its post offices on the island of Crete between 1903 and 1914. These were typically Austrian stamps overprinted with 'CRETE' or 'KRETA' and sometimes re-denominated in local or international currencies.
The value of Austrian Post Crete stamps varies. Common issues can be found for €5-€50, while rarer overprints, specific denominations, errors, or stamps on original covers can fetch hundreds or even thousands of euros. Condition is a significant factor in determining value.
To identify Austrian Post Crete stamps, look for Austrian stamps, primarily from the Franz Josef era, that bear overprints like 'CRETE' or 'KRETA'. Pay attention to the original Austrian design and the overprint's style and text. A photo in the Stamp Identifier app gives a first identification; check the catalog number in a specialised catalog before relying on it.
Austrian Post Crete stamps are well-documented in major philatelic catalogs. You can find them listed in Scott (under Austrian Post Offices in Crete), Michel (under Österreichische Post in Kreta), and Stanley Gibbons (under Austrian Post Offices Abroad - Crete).
Not sure where
it's from?
Photograph the stamp and Stamp Identifier names the issuer, the year and the series. One identification every 24 hours is free; prices and listings need Premium.