French Post Dedeagatch Stamps
French Post Dedeagatch refers to the postal administration established by France in Dedeagatch, a city now known as Alexandroupoli in modern-day Greece, during the early 20th century. This administration operated within the broader context of the Ottoman Empire's decline and the subsequent Allied occupation following World War I.
- Issued stamps
- 1893–1913
- Region
- Europe, Southeastern Europe
- Currency
- FRF
- Languages
- French, Ottoman Turkish
- Issuer type
- Colonial postal administration
- Part of
- France
History and background
Stamps issued under this authority typically bore French inscriptions, reflecting the colonial and administrative presence of the French Republic in this Aegean port city. The postal service ceased operations following the definitive integration of the region into Greek sovereignty.
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.
- DEDEAĞAÇ
- LEVANT
How to identify them
- Look for the 'DEDEAĞAÇ' overprint, typically in black, on French definitive stamps.
- Stamps will often bear French inscriptions and designs, sometimes with additional 'LEVANT' overprints for the broader French Post Offices in the Ottoman Empire.
Popular series
-
Surcharged French Stamps
1893-1902
French stamps (Sower, Sage, etc.) overprinted with 'DEDEAĞAÇ' and new values in Turkish currency (Piastres, Paras).
-
French Levant Stamps
1902-1913
Stamps of France issued for use in the French Post Offices in the Levant, often featuring the 'Levant' overprint, used in Dedeagatch.
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
- €200–€2,000+
Values vary significantly based on the specific French base stamp, the overprint variety, condition, and cancellations. Early surcharged issues and errors are particularly sought after.
Catalogs. French Post Dedeagatch 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 French Post Dedeagatch stamps
French Post Dedeagatch stamps were issued by the French postal administration in Dedeagatch (modern-day Alexandroupoli, Greece) during the late 19th and early 20th centuries. These were primarily French stamps overprinted with 'DEDEAĞAÇ' and local currency denominations for use in the French post office operating within the Ottoman Empire.
Yes, many French Post Dedeagatch stamps can be valuable, especially early issues with specific overprint varieties, errors, or rare cancellations. Common examples might range from €5-€50, while rare items can fetch hundreds or even thousands of Euros. Value depends heavily on condition, rarity, and specific catalog listing.
To identify French Post Dedeagatch stamps, look for French definitive stamps (like the Sage or Sower series) bearing a distinct 'DEDEAĞAÇ' overprint, often with new values in Piastres or Paras. Some may also have a 'LEVANT' overprint. The Stamp Identifier app can suggest the issue from a photo; confirm the catalog number, and ask an expert about anything valuable.
French Post Dedeagatch stamps are listed in major international stamp catalogs such as Scott (under French Post Offices in the Turkish Empire or Levant), Michel (France and Colonies), and Stanley Gibbons (France and Colonies). Specialized catalogs for French Colonies or Ottoman Empire postal history may also provide detailed listings.
Not sure where
it's from?
Photograph the stamp and Stamp Identifier names the issuer, the year and the series. One identification every 24 hours is free; prices and listings need Premium.