Italian Occ. Ionian Islands Stamps
Identification, history, popular series & stamp values
About Italian Occupation of the Ionian Islands Stamps
The Italian Occ. Ionian Islands, a historical entity encompassing islands in the Ionian Sea off the western coast of Greece, were administered by the United Kingdom as the United States of the Ionian Islands from 1815 until their cession to Greece in 1864. During this period, the islands utilized British postal services, and stamps issued for the territory prominently featured English text alongside the British monarch's effigy. Following unification with Greece, the islands integrated into the Hellenic postal system, marking a significant administrative transition from British colonial control to incorporation within the modern Greek state.
Issuer Overview
- Region:
- Europe
- Subregion:
- Southern Europe
- Issuing period:
- 1941 – 1941
- Languages:
- Italian, Greek
- Currency:
- ITL
- Parent issuer:
- Italy
Stamp Catalogs
Italian Occupation of the Ionian Islands stamps are listed in the following catalogs:
Popular Italian Occupation of the Ionian Islands Stamp Series
Overprints on Greek Stamps (1941)
Greek stamps overprinted with 'Isole Ionie' (Ionian Islands) and new values, issued during the initial Italian occupation.
Provisional Issues (1941)
Stamps issued for the islands, often featuring Italian designs or local adaptations, reflecting the brief period of Italian administration.
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Italian Occupation of the Ionian Islands Stamp Value Overview
Value Notes: Values vary significantly based on the specific overprint, condition, and whether they are on cover. Rarer varieties and errors command higher prices.
How to Identify Italian Occupation of the Ionian Islands Stamps
Key features to look for when identifying Italian Occupation of the Ionian Islands stamps:
- 1 Look for overprints 'Isole Ionie' (Ionian Islands) on Greek stamps.
- 2 Examine the designs for Italian influence or specific local motifs from the 1941 period.
- 3 Check for watermarks and perforations typical of the Greek stamps used as a base for overprints.
Related Issuers & Topics
Explore stamps from related regions and historical entities:
Frequently Asked Questions
What are Italian Occ. Ionian Islands stamps?
Italian Occ. Ionian Islands stamps refer to the postage stamps issued during the brief Italian occupation of the Ionian Islands (primarily Corfu, Cephalonia, and Zakynthos) in 1941, early in World War II. These were primarily Greek stamps overprinted with Italian text and new denominations.
Are Italian Occ. Ionian Islands stamps valuable?
The value of Italian Occ. Ionian Islands stamps can range from a few euros for common issues to several hundred or even thousands for rare varieties, errors, or stamps on cover. Condition, specific overprint, and rarity play a significant role in determining their worth.
How can I identify Italian Occ. Ionian Islands stamps?
You can identify Italian Occ. Ionian Islands stamps by looking for the 'Isole Ionie' overprint on Greek stamps from the early 20th century, or specific provisional issues from 1941. Using a stamp identifier app can help you quickly match your stamps to known issues and verify their authenticity.
Which catalogs list Italian Occ. Ionian Islands stamps?
Italian Occ. Ionian Islands stamps are listed in major philatelic catalogs such as Scott (under 'Italian Occupation Issues'), Michel, and Stanley Gibbons. These catalogs provide detailed information on varieties, values, and historical context.
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