Dodecanese Islands Stamps
The Dodecanese Islands are an archipelago in the southeastern Aegean Sea, geographically part of Southern Europe and politically associated with Greece. Their postal history is marked by periods of foreign administration, notably under Ottoman rule followed by Italian occupation from 1912 until their incorporation into Greece after World War II.
- Issued stamps
- 1947–1947
- Region
- Europe, Southern Europe
- Currency
- GRD
- Languages
- Greek, Italian
- Issuer type
- Historical postal administration
- Part of
- Greece
About Dodecanese Islands stamps
Stamps issued during the Italian period often featured Italian text alongside Greek, reflecting the administrative language of the time. The transition to Greek sovereignty resulted in the definitive adoption of Greek language and currency on subsequent 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.
- ΔΩΔΕΚΑΝΗΣΑ
How to identify Dodecanese Islands stamps
- Look for the overprint 'ΔΩΔΕΚΑΝΗΣΑ' (Dodecanese) and new denominations on Greek stamps.
- Stamps from this period are typically Greek issues overprinted for local use during the transition.
Popular series
-
Provisional Issues
1947
Stamps overprinted with 'ΔΩΔΕΚΑΝΗΣΑ' (Dodecanese) and new values, marking the transition to Greek administration.
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
- €20–€100+
The value of Dodecanese Islands stamps from this brief period is primarily driven by the provisional overprints on Greek stamps. Rarity can increase for complete sets, specific varieties, or stamps on cover.
Catalogs. Dodecanese Islands 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 Dodecanese Islands stamps
Dodecanese Islands stamps refer to the postal issues used in the Dodecanese archipelago, particularly during the transitional period in 1947 when they were formally incorporated into Greece after decades of Italian occupation. These are often Greek stamps overprinted for use in the islands.
The value of Dodecanese Islands stamps can vary. Common issues are generally affordable, ranging from €0.50 to €5. Rarer varieties, complete sets, or stamps with specific overprint errors can fetch higher prices, sometimes exceeding €100. Their value is often tied to their historical significance as transitional issues.
To identify Dodecanese Islands stamps from the 1947 period, look for Greek stamps that bear the overprint 'ΔΩΔΕΚΑΝΗΣΑ' (Dodecanese) and often new monetary values. Earlier issues from the Italian occupation period will feature Italian text. The Stamp Identifier app can suggest the issue from a photo; confirm the catalog number, and ask an expert about anything valuable.
Dodecanese Islands stamps are listed in major international stamp catalogs such as Scott, Michel, and Stanley Gibbons. These catalogs provide detailed information, including issue dates, varieties, and estimated values for collectors.
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