Greece Stamps
Greece, situated in Southern Europe and the Balkans, possesses a rich postal heritage dating back to the establishment of the Hellenic Post in the mid-19th century following independence from the Ottoman Empire. Its stamps primarily feature the Greek language, often using the Greek alphabet, and reflect significant national milestones, including the establishment of the modern republic and various periods of monarchy.
- Issued stamps
- 1861–present
- Region
- Europe, Southern Europe
- Currency
- EUR
- Languages
- Greek
- Issuer type
- Modern postal administration
About Greece stamps
As a founding member of the Universal Postal Union (UPU) since 1874, Greece's postal system has maintained continuous international connectivity, transitioning its currency from the drachma to the euro in 2001.
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.
- ΕΛΛΑΣ
- ΕΛΛΑΔΑ
- HELLAS
- ΕΛΛΗΝΙΚΗ ΔΗΜΟΚΡΑΤΙΑ
How to identify Greece stamps
- Look for the Greek language and Greek alphabet characters.
- Early issues (Large Hermes Heads) are characterized by the profile of Hermes and often have no country name, only denomination.
- Later issues typically include 'ΕΛΛΑΣ' (Hellas) or 'ΕΛΛΗΝΙΚΗ ΔΗΜΟΚΡΑΤΙΑ' (Hellenic Republic).
Popular series
-
Large Hermes Heads
1861-1888
Greece's first definitive stamp series, featuring the head of Hermes, the messenger god. These stamps are highly sought after by collectors due to their early issue and numerous varieties.
-
Olympic Games Issues
1896, 1906, 2004
Stamps commemorating the revival of the Olympic Games in Athens (1896), the Intercalated Games (1906), and the Athens 2004 Summer Olympics. These issues are popular with both philatelists and sports enthusiasts.
-
Definitive Series of King George I
1886-1900s
A long-running series featuring portraits of King George I, often with intricate designs and various printings and perforations.
-
Acropolis and Ancient Greece Themes
Various
Numerous series depicting iconic ancient Greek monuments, sculptures, and historical figures, reflecting Greece's rich cultural heritage.
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
- €100–€50,000+
Common Greek stamps are generally affordable. Early issues, especially the Large Hermes Heads with rare cancellations or varieties, can fetch significant prices. Olympic issues and certain commemorative sets also hold good value. Condition is paramount for higher values.
Catalogs. Greece 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 Greece stamps
Greece stamps are postage stamps issued by the Hellenic Post, beginning in 1861. They reflect Greece's rich history, culture, and national milestones, featuring Greek language and often the Greek alphabet. They document periods of monarchy, the establishment of the modern republic, and significant events like the Olympic Games.
The value of Greece stamps varies widely. Common modern issues are generally inexpensive, ranging from €0.50 to €5. However, early issues, particularly the 'Large Hermes Heads' with rare varieties, cancellations, or in pristine condition, can be highly valuable, reaching prices from €100 to over €50,000. Olympic Games issues and certain commemorative sets also attract collector interest and can command good prices.
You can identify Greece stamps by looking for the Greek language and the distinctive Greek alphabet. Early stamps, like the 'Large Hermes Heads,' may only show the denomination and the image of Hermes. Later stamps often bear the country name 'ΕΛΛΑΣ' (Hellas) or 'ΕΛΛΗΝΙΚΗ ΔΗΜΟΚΡΑΤΙΑ' (Hellenic Republic). For precise identification, including details like printings, watermarks, and perforations, using a specialized stamp catalog or a stamp identification app is highly recommended.
Greece stamps are extensively listed in all major international stamp catalogs. You can find comprehensive listings and detailed information in the Scott Standard Postage Stamp Catalogue, the Michel Catalogue (especially for European issues), and the Stanley Gibbons Catalogue. These catalogs provide details on issue dates, varieties, and estimated values.
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