Epirus Stamps
Epirus is a historical region located in northwestern Greece and southern Albania, situated within the Balkan Peninsula of Southeastern Europe. Its postal history is complex, primarily reflecting periods under Ottoman rule before becoming integrated into the modern Greek state, with stamps often featuring Greek language and iconography.
- Issued stamps
- 1914–1915
- Region
- Europe, Southeastern Europe
- Currency
- GRD
- Languages
- Greek
- Issuer type
- Historical postal administration
- Part of
- Greece
About Epirus stamps
The region's administrative status has shifted significantly over time, particularly following the Balkan Wars, leading to distinct postal administrations in the northern and southern sections. While Epirus itself did not issue stamps independently for long, its postal history is intrinsically linked to the broader development of the Hellenic Post.
Further reading: Wikipedia
How to identify Epirus stamps
- Look for Greek inscriptions and iconography, often with overprints indicating 'Epirus' or 'Northern Epirus'.
- Pay attention to the specific overprint type and its authenticity, as many forgeries exist.
- Examine the watermark (if any) and perforation details, which can help distinguish genuine issues from fakes.
Popular series
-
Epirus 1914 Provisional Issues
1914
The initial issues of Epirus, often overprinted on Greek stamps, reflecting the provisional government's authority.
-
Northern Epirus Issues
1914-1915
Stamps issued by the Provisional Government of Northern Epirus, featuring distinct designs and overprints.
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–€5,000+
The value of Epirus stamps varies significantly based on the specific issue, overprint, condition, and rarity. Early provisional issues and those from Northern Epirus are generally more sought after. Forgeries and expertization are important considerations.
Catalogs. Epirus 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 Epirus stamps
Epirus stamps refer to the postal issues from the historical region of Epirus, primarily during the period of the Provisional Government of Northern Epirus (1914-1915). These stamps often consist of overprinted Greek stamps or distinct designs reflecting the region's brief period of autonomy before its integration into Greece and Albania.
Yes, many Epirus stamps can be quite valuable, especially the early provisional issues and those from Northern Epirus. Rarity, condition, and the authenticity of overprints significantly influence their market price. Some rare varieties can fetch thousands of Euros at auction.
To identify Epirus stamps, look for Greek text and iconography, often with specific overprints like 'ΕΛΛΗΝΙΚΗ ΔΙΟΙΚΗΣΙΣ ΗΠΕΙΡΟΥ' (Hellenic Administration of Epirus) or 'ΑΥΤΟΝΟΜΟΣ ΗΠΕΙΡΟΣ' (Autonomous Epirus). Consulting a specialized stamp catalog like Scott, Michel, or Stanley Gibbons is crucial. A photo in the Stamp Identifier app gives a first identification; check the catalog number in a specialised catalog before relying on it.
Epirus stamps are listed in major international stamp catalogs, including Scott (under Greece or separate Epirus listings), Michel (under Griechenland / Epirus), and Stanley Gibbons (under Greece / Epirus). These catalogs provide detailed information on issues, varieties, and estimated values.
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