Chimarra Stamps
Identification, history, popular series & stamp values
About Chimarra Stamps
Chimarra, historically known as Himarë, is a coastal region located in southern Albania, within the Balkans of Southeastern Europe. Its postal history is intrinsically linked to the broader administrative changes of the region, having been under various influences including the Ottoman Empire and periods of Italian and Greek claims, before integration into the modern Albanian state. Stamps issued for this area, when separately administered or during transitional periods, would primarily feature the Albanian language, though historical contexts might reflect multilingual influences. The region's complex political status throughout the 20th century has resulted in varied postal administrations affecting the continuity of its stamp issues.
Issuer Overview
- Region:
- Europe
- Subregion:
- Southeastern Europe
- Issuing period:
- 1914 – 1914
- Languages:
- Albanian, Greek
- Currency:
- FRF
- Parent issuer:
- Albania
Stamp Catalogs
Chimarra stamps are listed in the following catalogs:
Popular Chimarra Stamp Series
Chimarra 1914 Provisional Issues (1914)
Stamps issued during the brief period of Chimarra's autonomy, often overprinted or surcharged.
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Chimarra Stamp Value Overview
Value Notes: Stamps from Chimarra are generally scarce due to their limited issue period and political instability. Overprints and provisional issues are particularly sought after, with condition significantly impacting value. Forgeries exist, so expert authentication is recommended for higher-value items.
How to Identify Chimarra Stamps
Key features to look for when identifying Chimarra stamps:
- 1 Look for 'Chimarra' or 'Himarë' inscriptions, often in Albanian or Greek.
- 2 Examine for overprints or surcharges on existing Albanian or Ottoman Empire stamps.
- 3 Pay attention to the specific designs and watermarks of the 1914 provisional issues, which often feature local motifs or adaptations of existing designs.
Related Issuers & Topics
Explore stamps from related regions and historical entities:
Frequently Asked Questions
What are Chimarra stamps?
Chimarra stamps refer to the philatelic issues from the coastal region of Chimarra (historically Himarë) in southern Albania, specifically during its brief period of autonomy in 1914. These are often provisional issues, overprints, or surcharges on existing stamps, reflecting the region's complex political history.
Are Chimarra stamps valuable?
Yes, Chimarra stamps can be quite valuable, especially those in good condition or with rare overprints. Their limited issue period and historical significance contribute to their scarcity and demand among collectors. Values can range from €5 for more common variations to several hundred euros for rare examples.
How can I identify Chimarra stamps?
To identify Chimarra stamps, look for inscriptions such as 'Chimarra' or 'Himarë', often in Albanian or Greek. Many are overprints on stamps of Albania or the Ottoman Empire. Consulting a specialized stamp catalog is crucial. For quick identification, you can also use a stamp identifier app by scanning the stamp.
Which catalogs list Chimarra stamps?
Chimarra stamps are listed in major international stamp catalogs, including Scott, Michel, and Stanley Gibbons, usually under Albania or as a separate entity within the historical issues of the region. Specialized catalogs for Albanian philately will also provide detailed listings.
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