Cos Stamps
The island of Cos, known today as Kos, is geographically situated in the Aegean Sea, part of the Dodecanese island group in Southern Europe. Historically, its postal administration was linked to the Ottoman Empire before passing to Italian control in 1912, and subsequently being ceded to Greece in 1947 following World War II.
- Issued stamps
- 1912–1932
- Region
- Europe, Southern Europe
- Currency
- ITL
- Languages
- Italian, Greek
- Issuer type
- Occupation postal administration
- Part of
- Italy
About Cos stamps
Stamps issued during the Italian period primarily featured Italian language and currency, while post-1947 issues reflect Greek sovereignty, using Greek language and denominations. This transition marks a significant shift in the island's postal identity from Italian administration to integration within the Hellenic Post.
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.
- ITALIANA
- EGEO
- ISOLE EGEO
How to identify Cos stamps
- Look for 'ITALIANA', 'EGEO', or 'ISOLE EGEO' overprints on Turkish or Italian stamps.
- Check for Italian currency denominations (centesimi, lire) on issues from 1912-1947.
- Examine the design for Italian royal portraits, allegorical figures, or specific local Kos landmarks on later issues.
Popular series
-
Italian Occupation Overprints
1912-1913
Stamps of Turkey overprinted 'ITALIANA / EGEO' or 'ITALIANA / ISOLE / EGEO' with new values in Italian currency, marking the initial Italian administration.
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Italian Definitive Issues for the Dodecanese
1912-1929
Italian stamps overprinted 'EGEO' or 'ISOLE EGEO' for use across the Dodecanese islands, including Cos, featuring various Italian monarchs and allegorical designs.
-
Local Issues for Cos
1929-1932
Specific issues for Cos, often featuring local landmarks or themes, sometimes overprinted on Italian colonial stamps or Dodecanese issues.
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
- €0.50–€5
- Scarce stamps
- €50–€500+
Early occupation overprints, especially those with rare varieties or errors, can be quite valuable. Later definitive issues are generally more common. Condition significantly impacts value.
Catalogs. Cos 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 Cos stamps
Cos stamps refer to the postage stamps issued for the island of Cos (modern Kos) during its period of Italian administration, primarily from 1912 to 1947. These stamps often feature overprints on Turkish or Italian issues, or specific designs for the Dodecanese islands.
The value of Cos stamps varies widely. Early Italian occupation overprints on Turkish stamps, especially those with specific varieties or errors, can be quite valuable, sometimes fetching hundreds of euros. Later definitive issues are generally more common and less valuable, typically ranging from a few cents to a few euros. Rarity, condition, and specific catalog numbers are key factors in determining value.
To identify Cos stamps, look for overprints such as 'ITALIANA', 'EGEO', or 'ISOLE EGEO' on stamps that originally depict Turkish or Italian designs. The currency will typically be in Italian lire or centesimi. A photo in the Stamp Identifier app gives a first identification; check the catalog number in a specialised catalog before relying on it.
Cos stamps are listed in major international philatelic catalogs, including Scott, Michel, and Stanley Gibbons. These catalogs provide detailed information, including issue dates, designs, varieties, and estimated values for stamps from the Italian occupation of Cos and the Dodecanese islands.
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