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.
- Issued stamps
- 1913–1913
- Region
- Europe, Southeastern Europe
- Currency
- Greek Drachma
- Languages
- Greek, Ottoman Turkish
- Issuer type
- Occupation postal administration
- Part of
- Greece
About Greek Occupation stamps
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.
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.
- ΕΛΛΗΝΙΚΗ ΔΙΟΙΚΗΣΙΣ
How to identify Greek Occupation stamps
- Look for Greek inscriptions or overprints on stamps, often 'ΕΛΛΗΝΙΚΗ ΔΙΟΙΚΗΣΙΣ' (Hellenic Administration) or specific place names.
- Examine the base stamp for its original country of issue (e.g., Ottoman Empire or Greece).
- Pay attention to the type and color of the overprint, as varieties exist.
Popular 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.
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Overprints on Greek Stamps
1913
Greek definitive stamps overprinted with specific regional names or 'ΕΛΛΗΝΙΚΗ ΔΙΟΙΚΗΣΙΣ' for use in occupied areas.
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 overprint, the base stamp, condition, and rarity of the occupied territory. Errors or scarce varieties can command significantly higher prices.
Catalogs. Greek Occupation 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 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.
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.
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. A photo in the Stamp Identifier app gives a first identification; check the catalog number in a specialised catalog before relying on it.
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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