Chios Stamps
Chios is a major island in the Aegean Sea, geographically part of the North Aegean archipelago within Europe. Although historically associated with various powers, its modern postal history is deeply intertwined with the Ottoman Empire and subsequent integration into the Kingdom of Greece.
- Issued stamps
- 1913–1913
- Region
- Europe, Southern Europe
- Currency
- GRD
- Languages
- Greek
- Issuer type
- Historical postal administration
- Part of
- Greece
About Chios stamps
Stamps issued during periods of autonomous or contested administration often feature Greek language, reflecting the island's dominant cultural identity. The island's postal administration transitioned significantly following the Balkan Wars, solidifying its status as part of the modern Greek state.
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.
- ΧΙΟΣ
- ΕΛΛΗΝΙΚΗ ΔΙΟΙΚΗΣΙΣ
How to identify Chios stamps
- Look for 'ΧΙΟΣ' (Chios) or 'ΕΛΛΗΝΙΚΗ ΔΙΟΙΚΗΣΙΣ' (Hellenic Administration) overprints on stamps of the Kingdom of Greece.
- Examine for handstamped or manuscript surcharges on Greek stamps.
- Pay close attention to the font and alignment of overprints and surcharges, as variations and forgeries exist.
- Check for postmarks from Chios or other Aegean islands during the 1912-1913 period.
Popular series
-
Provisional Issues (1913)
1913
Stamps of Greece overprinted 'ΧΙΟΣ' (Chios) or 'ΕΛΛΗΝΙΚΗ ΔΙΟΙΚΗΣΙΣ' (Hellenic Administration) for use during the temporary Greek administration after liberation from Ottoman rule.
-
Surcharged Issues (1913)
1913
Greek stamps with manuscript or handstamped surcharges in various denominations, often due to a shortage of specific values.
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+
The value of Chios provisional issues varies significantly based on the specific overprint, surcharge, condition, and rarity of the underlying Greek stamp. Manuscript surcharges and rare overprint varieties can command high prices. Forgeries are known, so expert authentication is crucial for valuable items.
Catalogs. Chios 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 Chios stamps
Chios stamps refer to provisional issues used on the Greek island of Chios in 1913, following its liberation from the Ottoman Empire during the Balkan Wars. These were typically stamps of the Kingdom of Greece overprinted with 'ΧΙΟΣ' (Chios) or 'ΕΛΛΗΝΙΚΗ ΔΙΟΙΚΗΣΙΣ' (Hellenic Administration), or handstamped with new values, to serve the local postal needs before full integration into the Greek postal system.
Yes, many Chios provisional stamps can be quite valuable, especially rare overprint varieties, specific surcharge errors, or stamps in fine condition. Their value is influenced by the scarcity of the overprint/surcharge, the underlying Greek stamp, and their historical significance. Common examples might be affordable, but rare items can fetch hundreds or even thousands of Euros.
To identify Chios stamps, look for the distinctive overprints 'ΧΙΟΣ' or 'ΕΛΛΗΝΙΚΗ ΔΙΟΙΚΗΣΙΣ' on stamps originally issued by the Kingdom of Greece. Also, check for handstamped or manuscript surcharges. Comparing your stamps with catalog images is essential. For a first lead, photograph the stamp in the Stamp Identifier app, then confirm the catalog number; valuable stamps deserve an expert opinion.
Chios provisional issues are listed in major international stamp catalogs such as Scott (under Greece - Chios), Michel (under Griechenland - Chios), and Stanley Gibbons (under Greece - Chios). These catalogs provide detailed listings, varieties, and estimated values for these historically significant stamps.
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