French Post Vathy Stamps
French Post Vathy refers to the postal services operated by France in the port of Vathy, located on the island of Samos in the Aegean Sea, which was under Ottoman rule during the period of French postal presence. This operation falls within the broader context of French extra-territorial postal agencies established in the Levant and the Ottoman Empire.
- Issued stamps
- 1893–1900
- Region
- Europe, Southern Europe
- Currency
- FRF
- Languages
- French
- Issuer type
- Colonial postal administration
- Part of
- France
About French Post Vathy stamps
Stamps issued for this office would typically bear French inscriptions, often denominated in French currency, reflecting the administrative control of the French postal system in this specific Aegean location prior to its integration into the modern Greek postal network. The existence of these offices ceased following shifting geopolitical control in the region.
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.
- VATHY
How to identify French Post Vathy stamps
- Look for 'VATHY' overprints on French stamps, typically in black or blue ink.
- Denominations will be in French currency (centimes, francs).
- Stamps will often feature designs common to French general issues of the late 19th century, such as the 'Sage' type.
Popular series
-
Surcharged French Stamps
1893-1900
French general issues overprinted with 'VATHY' and new denominations in French currency (centimes and francs) for local use.
-
Sage Type Issues
1893-1900
French 'Sage' type stamps, often surcharged, were commonly used in Vathy, reflecting standard French colonial postal practices.
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+
Value depends heavily on the specific surcharge, condition, and whether the stamp is on cover. Early issues and higher denominations are scarcer.
Catalogs. French Post Vathy 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 Vathy stamps
French Post Vathy stamps are French postal issues that were overprinted with 'VATHY' and new denominations for use in the French postal agency established in Vathy, Samos, during the period of Ottoman rule (1893-1900). They represent France's extraterritorial postal presence in the Aegean.
The value of French Post Vathy stamps varies significantly. Common surcharged issues can be found for €5-€50, while rare varieties, errors, or stamps on original covers can fetch hundreds or even thousands of euros. Condition and specific overprint details are key value determinants.
To identify French Post Vathy stamps, look for the distinct 'VATHY' overprint on French stamps from the late 19th century, usually with new denominations in French currency. The Stamp Identifier app can suggest the issue from a photo; confirm the catalog number, and ask an expert about anything valuable.
French Post Vathy stamps are listed in major international stamp catalogs such as Scott (under French Offices in the Turkish Empire), Michel (under Frankreich – Postämter in der Türkei), and Stanley Gibbons (under French Post Offices in the Turkish Empire).
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