Italian Eritrea Stamps
Italian Eritrea, located in the Horn of Africa, was an Italian colony established in the late 19th century. Its postal history is intrinsically linked to the Kingdom of Italy, with stamps initially featuring Italian denominations and often bilingual inscriptions reflecting the colonial administration.
- Issued stamps
- 1893–1936
- Region
- Africa, East Africa
- Currency
- ITL
- Languages
- Italian, Tigrinya, Amharic
- Issuer type
- Colonial postal administration
- Part of
- Italy
About Italian Eritrea stamps
The territory's stamps document the period of Italian rule, including the establishment of infrastructure and the subsequent transition following Italy's defeat in World War II. After 1941, the postal service transitioned through British military administration before eventually becoming part of the Ethiopian federation.
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.
- ERITREA
- COLONIA ERITREA
How to identify Italian Eritrea stamps
- Look for 'ERITREA' or 'COLONIA ERITREA' inscriptions.
- Many early issues are Italian stamps overprinted with 'ERITREA' or 'COLONIA ERITREA'.
- Denominations are typically in Italian Lire (Cent. or L.).
- Bilingual inscriptions (Italian and local languages) are common on later issues.
Popular series
-
Postage Due Stamps
1903-1930s
Early issues often overprinted on Italian stamps, later definitive designs.
-
Definitive Issues
1903-1936
Featuring various designs including King Victor Emmanuel III, local landscapes, and allegorical figures.
-
Colonial Exhibition Series
1932
Stamps issued for the Colonial Art Exhibition in Naples, often depicting colonial scenes.
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–€10
- Scarce stamps
- €50–€500+
Early overprints, higher denominations, and stamps in pristine condition or on cover tend to be more valuable. Errors and varieties are also sought after.
Catalogs. Italian Eritrea 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 Italian Eritrea stamps
Italian Eritrea stamps are postage stamps issued for the Italian colony of Eritrea in the Horn of Africa, from 1893 until its incorporation into Italian East Africa in 1936. They reflect Italian colonial administration and often feature Italian denominations and bilingual inscriptions.
The value of Italian Eritrea stamps varies. Common issues can be found for a few euros, while rare early overprints, high denominations, errors, and stamps in excellent condition or on original covers can fetch hundreds of euros or more. Consult a philatelic catalog for specific values.
To identify Italian Eritrea stamps, look for inscriptions like 'ERITREA' or 'COLONIA ERITREA'. Many early stamps are Italian issues overprinted for use in the colony. Denominations are in Italian Lire. The Stamp Identifier app can suggest the issue from a photo; confirm the catalog number, and ask an expert about anything valuable.
Italian Eritrea stamps are listed in major international philatelic catalogs, including Scott, Michel, and Stanley Gibbons. These catalogs provide detailed information, including issue dates, designs, and estimated values.
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