Italian Occ. 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.
- Issued stamps
- 1941–1941
- Region
- Europe, Southern Europe
- Currency
- ITL
- Languages
- Italian, Greek
- Issuer type
- Occupation postal administration
- Part of
- Italy
History and background
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.
Further reading: Wikipedia
How to identify them
- Look for overprints 'Isole Ionie' (Ionian Islands) on Greek stamps.
- Examine the designs for Italian influence or specific local motifs from the 1941 period.
- Check for watermarks and perforations typical of the Greek stamps used as a base for overprints.
Popular 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.
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+
Values vary significantly based on the specific overprint, condition, and whether they are on cover. Rarer varieties and errors command higher prices.
Catalogs. Italian Occ. Ionian Islands 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 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.
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.
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. For a first lead, photograph the stamp in the Stamp Identifier app, then confirm the catalog number; valuable stamps deserve an expert opinion.
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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