Greek Occupation Stamps
Identification, history, popular series & stamp values
About Greek Occupation Stamps
The Greek Occupation refers to temporary administrative periods during which Greek forces controlled territories outside of Greece proper, most notably during and immediately following the Balkan Wars and World War I. These issues primarily concern areas in the Ottoman Empire's former European provinces, such as parts of Thrace, Macedonia, and the Aegean Islands. Stamps from these occupations often feature Greek inscriptions, sometimes overprinted on existing Ottoman or provisional issues, reflecting the immediate administrative transfer of postal services to the Hellenic Kingdom. These issues are crucial markers of the shifting geopolitical boundaries in Southeastern Europe during the early 20th century.
Issuer Overview
- Region:
- Europe
- Subregion:
- Southeastern Europe
- Issuing period:
- 1913 – 1913
- Languages:
- Greek, Ottoman Turkish
- Currency:
- Greek Drachma
- Parent issuer:
- Greece
Stamp Catalogs
Greek Occupation stamps are listed in the following catalogs:
Popular Greek Occupation Stamp Series
Overprints on Ottoman Stamps (1913)
Ottoman Empire stamps overprinted with Greek text (e.g., 'ΕΛΛΗΝΙΚΗ ΔΙΟΙΚΗΣΙΣ' - Hellenic Administration) for use in newly occupied territories.
Overprints on Greek Stamps (1913)
Greek definitive stamps overprinted with specific regional names or 'ΕΛΛΗΝΙΚΗ ΔΙΟΙΚΗΣΙΣ' for use in occupied areas.
issuer:greek-occupation.series.items.2.name (issuer:greek-occupation.series.items.2.period)
issuer:greek-occupation.series.items.2.description
Greek Occupation Stamp Value Overview
Value Notes: Value depends heavily on the specific overprint, the base stamp, condition, and rarity of the occupied territory. Errors or scarce varieties can command significantly higher prices.
How to Identify Greek Occupation Stamps
Key features to look for when identifying Greek Occupation stamps:
- 1 Look for Greek inscriptions or overprints on stamps, often 'ΕΛΛΗΝΙΚΗ ΔΙΟΙΚΗΣΙΣ' (Hellenic Administration) or specific place names.
- 2 Examine the base stamp for its original country of issue (e.g., Ottoman Empire or Greece).
- 3 Pay attention to the type and color of the overprint, as varieties exist.
Related Issuers & Topics
Explore stamps from related regions and historical entities:
Frequently Asked Questions
What are Greek Occupation stamps?
Greek Occupation stamps are postage stamps issued during temporary periods when Greek forces administered territories outside of mainland Greece, primarily in 1913 during and immediately after the Balkan Wars. These stamps were often existing Ottoman or Greek issues overprinted with Greek text to signify the new postal authority.
Are Greek Occupation stamps valuable?
The value of Greek Occupation stamps varies widely. Common issues can be affordable, ranging from €5 to €50. However, rare overprints, specific regional issues, or stamps in pristine condition can fetch hundreds or even thousands of Euros, especially those with scarce overprint errors or on rare base stamps.
How can I identify Greek Occupation stamps?
To identify Greek Occupation stamps, look for Greek overprints on Ottoman or Greek stamps, typically featuring 'ΕΛΛΗΝΙΚΗ ΔΙΟΙΚΗΣΙΣ' (Hellenic Administration) or names of occupied regions. An easy way to identify them is by using a stamp identifier app, which can quickly match your stamp to a database and provide details.
Which catalogs list Greek Occupation stamps?
Greek Occupation stamps are well-documented in major philatelic catalogs. You can find them listed in Scott, Michel, and Stanley Gibbons catalogs, usually under Greece or specific regional listings within the Greek section.
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